Predator-prey dynamics: The role of predators in the control of problem species

A study was conducted to look at the relationship between presence and numbers of wild dog (Cuon alpinus) and presence and abundance of wild boar (Sus scrofa). This was corroborated with scat analysis to get percentage of the prey consumed by wild dogs and other predators. A preliminary nationwide presence-absence survey of C. alpinus population showed that with the exception of Trashigang, Samdrup Jongkhar and Pemagatshel, all the other dzongkhags reported presence of wild dogs. Wild dog density was then compared with relative wild boar density using a simple linear regression analysis. A negative relationship between increasing wild dog numbers and decreasing wild boar density was detected.