A critical evaluation of historical data on two damage causing predators, Canis mesomelas and Caracal caracal

English: The study focused on monthly hunt reports of two problem animal control clubs in the Mossel Bay district of the erstwhile Cape Province, namely the Cooper Jagklub and the Mosselbaai Sentrale Jagklub. These reports were the most complete set of data retrieved by ALPRU and also covered a substantial period from 1976 to 1992. The study was successful in creating computer software (ALPRU Predator Database) to capture and analyse historical data on predator control activities. Original handwritten records were manually captured on the ALPRU Predator Database and transformed during export to the ArcGIS environment. A large number of data tables and maps were generated for evaluation. Historical data were used with a view to: - Investigate whether it was possible to establish the measure of success of predator management practices used in the past. - To test the capacity and performance of the computer software for further application as a tool in predator management. The computer programmes could filter out specific sets of data for separate analysis. In the present study only maps showing stock losses as a result of predation and predators killed in control operations, were analysed. The two different sets of data were filtered out for the study period of 16 years, for separate years and for every month in a selection of three years, 1985 to 1987. The software highlighted several important issues and shortcomings in the dataset, namely: - The historical monthly hunt reports and especially the way in which the data were recorded, were never intended for further analysis. - Positive identification of the specific locations of farms proved to be especially difficult and time-consuming. - The data were incomplete regarding specific information which prevented definitive conclusions being drawn. - The format in which data regarding predator control activities is recorded and reported needs to be improved. - Despite the shortcomings in the dataset, the software proved very valuable in analysing major aspects of predation and predator control activities. The computer programmes can serve as a management tool in analysing data concerning predator activity and animal damage control. Currently, it provides for datasets to be analysed for any period, for example three months (one season), weeks, or even days. With the aid of the computer programmes developed for this study, the following factors can be analysed separately for more in-depth studies on damage causing animals: - different classes of different domestic animals killed by predators - different classes of different predator species killed in animal damage control operations - different animal damage control clubs, or selected groupings, or geographical areas - different animal damage control operators (usually referred to as problem animal hunters) - different methods used in animal damage control operations. The monthly hunt reports used in the past by official animal damage control clubs were not very useful in creating a clear understanding of how animal damage and animal damage control activities influence each other. This may in part be ascribed to the inadequate design or format of the monthly hunt report. Incomplete (regarding data) or incorrect (e.g. misspelling of farm names prevents positive identification of sites) monthly hunt reports distort the picture that could otherwise have been created by the data. Official quarterly inspection reports from the hunt clubs were useful as summaries of the hunting activities of a club and, when properly executed, may have prevented hunters from submitting incomplete or inadequate hunt reports. However, in this study the information provided by an independent official (supervisory capacity to the problem animal hunters) in the quarterly reports often helped in clarifying incomplete or inconsistent reporting by the hunters. A thorough understanding of animal damage control in South Africa, as well as more studies using the ALPRU Predator Database to interpret the extent of present day animal damage, could help to identify shortcomings in animal damage management. Therefore, the programmes developed for this study could assist in formulating more effective animal damage management strategies. Cooperation from all role players and stakeholders are necessary to enhance the potential and output of this computer programme. The correct filling out of hunt reports, the updating of data and submission of subsequent inspection reports is of utmost importance to ensure data that can be analysed and results that can be portrayed for similar studies. It is important that computer software such as this be utilised with current data sets to improve the fragmented and uncoordinated predator management activities in South Africa. It may assist in identifying best practices regarding methods and procedures of predator management with a view to reduce the impact of predation on the livestock industry. Two formats to record Livestock Predation and Predator Control Activities are presented. These include the basic information for the effective interpretation of the impact of predator control operators on damage causing animals and on livestock.