Feral dogs threaten wildlife and people in Ladakh

Some estimates suggest about 25,000 dogs roam freely around Ladakh, where they carry diseases including rabies and have contributed to rising numbers of dog bites and even fatal attacks. Conservationists say the animals now pose a well-known threat to human health as well as to native wildlife.

Experts say dogs hunt, harass and compete with wild species. “Dogs also seem to be having an overwhelming impact on wildlife,” said Abi Vanak of the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment. The animals prey on livestock and wild species such as the kiang (Tibetan wild ass), woolly hares and Himalayan marmots, and eat eggs and chicks at waterbird nests; Neeraj Mahar of the Wildlife Institute of India said dogs are “a huge challenge” for the black-necked crane, Ladakh’s state bird.

Human food sources have helped swell dog numbers: tourism, new restaurants and larger military camps have increased food waste and handouts, and “because of easy availability of food, more puppies are surviving,” said Anub Paljor, a consultant to the Ladakh environment department.

Many free-ranging dogs are ownerless or allowed to roam, and they also scavenge carcasses that might otherwise feed vultures, wolves, foxes, lynxes and snow leopards; Mr. Paljor said he has video of about 10 dogs surrounding and harassing a snow leopard. But the overall ecological effects are not well understood and may be complex, researchers say.

Key Topics

Science, Feral Dogs, Ladakh, Kiang, Black-necked Crane, Wildlife Institute