Investigation into the status and conservation needs of the
free-living
James K. McIntyre
Southwest Pacific Research Foundation
Phone/Fax 904-261-5630
E-mail—jmcint6317@aol.com
Along
with my concern for the future and New Guinea Highland Wild Dog and my association
with I. Lehr Brisbin, Jr. (Savannah River Ecology Lab, Aiken, S.C.), I offered
my services to determine the status and conservation needs of the N.G.S.D.,
with hopes of capturing animals for export to replenish the highly inbred
captive population. I hoped to determine, through reliable informants and
personal observations, the possibility of remaining pure free-ranging
populations of this wild canid. In the areas that I am able to visit, I
will make assessments of the status of domesticated village dogs which might
pose potential sources of genetic hybridization/contamination to any of the
remnant populations of NGSD still in existence. If I was fortunate enough
to get into an area where free-living dogs are likely to occur, I will conduct
an abbreviated capture campaign as well as documentation and collection of any
fecal, skeletal, and hair samples. Descriptions and measurements of
habitat, dog trails, tracks, dens and resting areas will further help to
uncover the natural history of this shy and elusive canid. I hope to
identify an area which has a population of wild dogs and investigate to
feasibility of a future full scales expedition. Initially considered a
new species of wild canid when discovered in the mid-1950’s.
The New Guinea Singing Dog, also known as Hailstrom’s Dog, is more properly
considered as a member of the complex of canids including the gray wolf,
domestic dog and Australian Dingo. The precise taxonomic status and
phylogenetic relationships of this group are matters of current controversy
that may require considerable reconstruction of traditional assumptions.
Although wild population of these dogs have been noted in the higher altitudes
of the Central Highlands, they have invariably been overlooked as subjects of
research. This neglect has partially been the result of a failure to
appreciate the unusual features of this canid and to understand its position as
a truly primitive form of domestic dog. The possibility that these dogs
may exert significant predation pressure upon smaller native fauna further
increases the need for field studies in the Central Highlands where they are
the only large mammalian predator other than man.
Virtually all biological information for the New Guinea Singing Dog has
resulted from studies of captive animals. Foremost among its unique
features is its vocal behavior including a form of howling marked by an
extraordinary degree of frequency modulation and a number of signals, e.g. a
high pitch rapid trill, which have not been reported for other canids.
The structural complexity and functional significance of these vocal patterns
are not yet well understood. Other unique features include an annual
reproductive cycle, with short-term recycling of estrus in females which fail
to become pregnant, and a social behavior which suggests a monogamous non-pack
social organization.
Field studies of these animals are being hindered by what may be a recent
decline in their numbers and distribution. Of particular concern has been
the increasingly limited number of sites which isolate them from hybridization
with domestic dog. This is probably the most significant conservation
concern facing wild populations today. There is hope that non-hybridized
Singing Dog populations may still exist at higher altitudes on Mounts Giluwe
and Wilhelm in
Some notes on the
The Mekil
Research Center was created in 1993 as a result of the
energy and enthusiasm of Keyt Fischer and the generosity of OK Tedi Mining
Limited. Fisher, a biologist, spent one year living in a tent on
Mekil
Research Station (location: 4 deg 45 min S; 140 deg 40 min E; altitude 1833
meters) is located in the
Gas stoves for cooking are also available. Adjoining the station is a
helipad that can accommodate the largest of helicopters.
In
accordance with station and Sokamin regulations, for each scientist that uses
the station, two Sokamin villagers will be hired as assistants for 60 kina per
fortnight. Food and housing is also supplied to assistants for being
located in perhaps the most remote area of all PNG, with a rich array of flora
and fauna. The Mekil Research Station provides a unique opportunity
for scientists to study in PNG’s rugged western province.
Mekil Research Station, PNG
Daily
Temperatures and Rainfall
|
DAILY TEMPERATURES AND RAINFALL 1996 |
|||
|
DATE |
TEMPERATURE(C°) |
HIGH |
RAINFALL LAST 24 HOURS(mm) |
|
6/22 |
15 |
16 |
46 |
|
6/23 |
14 |
17 |
2 |
|
6/24 |
15 |
17 |
23.6 |
|
6/25 |
14 |
17 |
23.2 |
|
6/26 |
14 |
17 |
0 |
|
|
14 |
18 |
0 |
|
6/28 |
14 |
17 |
10.4 |
|
6/29 |
14 |
17 |
53.6 |
|
6/30 |
14 |
16 |
86 |
|
7/1 |
14 |
17 |
0 |
|
7/2 |
14 |
17 |
23.4 |
|
7/3 |
14 |
17 |
21.9 |
|
7/4 |
15 |
18 |
2.8 |
|
7/5 |
15 |
16 |
0.6 |
|
7/6 |
15 |
17 |
39 |
|
7/7 |
15 |
17 |
3.5 |
|
7/8 |
15 |
18 |
0.3 |
|
7/9 |
12 |
17 |
0 |
|
7/10 |
14 |
17 |
2.4 |
|
7/11 |
14 |
17 |
0 |
Ř On the average, rainfall is expected
approximately 340 days per year
Ř The days generally start out clear and become
cloudy by mid morning
Ř Rainfall recorded between October 93 and
October 94 was 300mm (Bino)
Description of
Study Area
Mekil Research Station 1996
The area chosen for this study was a 18 Sq. km. site that
can be characterized as lower to mid mountain mossy cloud forest in the
Abbreviated diary of fact finding exploratory field trip
regarding the status of the New Guinea Highland Wild Dog. 6/23/96-7/16/96
6/23-Arrived late PM in
6/24-Meeting with Dr. James Menzies, Biology
Department.
6/25-MBA Airlines flight from Port Mores to Tabubil.
Weather had clouded over, so unable to take helicopter to MRS. Shopped for
supplies. Spent night at Cloudlands Hotel.
Met with Dr. Stephen Swales OK Tedi Environment Department.
6/26-Early am. Helicopter
flight from Tabubil to Mekil Research Station,
6/27-Began playing cassettes of captive NGSD daily, 7:00 am and 6:00 PM
(weather permitting) to attract free-living dogs, arouse curiosity, elicit dog
responses, laid out snares and “cushioned” leg hold traps to “season”
them. Walk for four hours with assistants Kemuel and Sibou. Found
feces and a former heavily traveled dog path. Located
and area that was previously described as a singing dog “resting place” (Bino).
Many dog trails and paths. Area is known as the “west ridge at the head
of the Wara Singamet.”
6/28-Set six jump traps and six live catch snares in above are, utilizing
baits, lures, and heat urine for scent attraction. Site is approximately
40 minute walk from MRS. Two village girls saw a wild dog while talking
to the station.
6/29-Checked traps early am-nothing. Walked to Manakomofip village to
examine and describe village dogs. Examine six dogs (photos, videos, and
skin samples). Examined wild dog skull (took measurements,) I
recognized a dog track on the trail that was not there on our trip down to the
village.
6/30-Checked traps-nothing. “Reactivated” scent
packet. Helped construct rock and clay oven for baking
bread.
7/1-Set traps along trail where village girls observed wild dog on 6/28. Used the “awful” of a dead rat to bait scent the area.
Four jump traps and two snares. “Fresh” dog tracks
7/2-Check traps a.m.-nothing. While exploring new area NW of station
(“Dei ma sne”
are”) we observed fresh dog tracks. Many narrow well worn trails around
well-drained
sheer cliffs and boulders. Set two jump traps and four snares in this area. One
especially
clear track measured 70 mm in length and 60 mm in width. The area was
“scented” with
baits, lures, and heat urine.
7/3-Checked traps a.m.-nothing. Assisted resident biologist
radio tracking Cus Cus.
7/4- No Entry
7/5- No Entry
7/6-checked traps-nothing. Recovered plaster mold made from good track7/2.
Walking in the forest looking for more wild dog signs
(approx. 4 hours)
7/7-Checked traps –nothing. Found a “fresh” dog track in a boot print that I
had made
the day before.
7/8-Checked traps-nothing. “Freshened”
up baits at “Dei ma sne” area trap site. One
jump trap at “singament Creek” was sprung shut and another was flipped
over. There was a disturbance in the area around these traps. My
assistants could not tell what kind of animal caused this disturbance.
7/9-Traps checked-nothing. Helped “process” and
release two ringtails captured during the night. Began work on 55 gallon
drum warm shower apparatus.
7/10-Traps checked-nothing. All traps and snares
collected and returned to the station. Great tailed triok (Dactylopsila
megalura) captured last night, processed and released. Pre-packed packs
for walkout tomorrow.
7/11-Early A.M. processed and released Montane Cus Cus with young in
pouch. Walked to
7/12-Arose early and walked the remaining three hours to Mianmin village.
Observed documented, and filmed village dogs of Mianmin. Discussed possibility of obtaining “wild dogs’ from high elevations
of this area [with Mina villagers]. Caught a late afternoon flight
to Tabubil (via five other small bush airstrips) Spent the night at the
Cloudlands Hotel.
7/13-Tabubil-shopped for additional supplies to send back to Mekil Research
Station (via MAF airlines.) Caught late morning flight
to
7/14- Sunday.
7/15-Met with Dr. James Menzies and discussed my findings and the possibility
of having them published in “Science in
-Met with Frank Bonaccorso. Curator of Mammals, at the
-Met with Arlyne Johnson, Scientific Programs Director of the Research and
Conservation Foundation of PNG. Discussed sponsorship
of a long term NGSD project. Also discussed
possibility of helping Robert Bino enroll in a masters program in the
-Visited the Mokilaka Wildlife Sanctuary in Erima. All six wild dogs
“repatriated” from Tornga Zoo have died.
-Visited the
7/16-Early morning flight from
Local folklore and stories of interest contributing to the “Mystique” of
the New Guinea Highland Wild Dog
-Rose Singadan, zoologist, University of PNG, originally form the Simbu
province. SE of MT Wilhelm. Rose has seen
feces above the 3000 meter mark. When village people go up into the
mountains to collect pandanus nuts the village dogs interact with the wild
dogs. The village dogs mostly chase the singing dogs, which stay silent
during the chase. Later from a safe distance, they will sing. She
says the singing do is very shy and secretive and doesn’t wander close to
villages. Her brother may have “mixed” puppies back in her village.
The local name for the village dog is Aglla. The local name for the wild
dog is Kogllma (koge-ma). Dog sightings by local on
-John, law student.
-Another student of
-The people of the Western Highlands refer to
-The mountain range directly east of the Mekil Research Station is called
“Tilopobumabil” which means “the dog barks at night.” This 2000 meter
range was named by the Sokamin people. In June of 1995, a dog was heard
singing on “Tilopobumabil” by an American biologist.
-One of my assistants, 20 year old Kemuel from
-Ken from
-Ken also says “October and November, when the fruits are ripe (Eleaocarpus
sp)-local name Mokeem and wanamokeem-is when the wild dogs come to lower
elevations to eat. This is the best time to find the wild
dog. This is also the time for the babies. This is the time
when they are teaching the babies. Wild dogs can be heard singing more
during these months.” This would make the breeding season during April and May.
-Mukar (Kemuel’s father) of
-Another Malakomofip Villager. “This past year, while building a resting place,
he saw a brown dog in the bush yipping at him.” He said it was larger
than the village dogs. *He once, this year, caught a wild dog puppy by
hand, but it got away. “It had brown on the head and sides and lower body
was white.”
-Village men take their dogs along to hunt Cus Cus.
-No matter what the classification, the Highland Wild Dog “mystique” has a
strong foothold in the livers of the people living at the base of the
mountains. So revered are they the skulls of the wild dog killed in a
hunt are hung proudly above their doorways along with the skulls of the wild
pigs and cassowaries, trophies of the most elusive challenges.
Description of village dogs in villages in the closest proximity to the Mekil
Research Station’s study area (MRS)
Village: Malakomofip: altitude is 1200 meters: two hour walk, rough terrain,
uphill.
Village description: Village of approximately 20 people, five houses, six dogs
on the
bank of headwaters of the
Dog #1: (male) sub-adult, predominately black with tan points (highlights). Small
amount of white on chest, brushy black tail thick coat. Approx. 9 Kg. *Said to be the offspring of
Dog#3 and male wild dog. *Skin and
hair samples collected from right ear.
Dog#2: (male) adult. Predominately black with tan points
(highlights). White on chest
extending to small stripe down belly, brushy tail, thick coat, approx. 11 Kg.
“Skin and hair samples collected/right ear.
Dog#3: (female) adult. Predominately black with tan points
(highlights). White on
chest, tip on tail. Brushy tail. Two years old. Approx. 9 Kg. Dam of # 1.
Dog#4: (male) puppy-6 months, predominately white speckled, white
muzzle, white
speckled shoulders extending to legs and under belly to hind legs and
tail. Black patch on top of back and hips.
Some tan points by whiskers, ears, and under arms. 4 Kg.
Smooth tail and coat. “Bitch of this puppy is dog #7
Dog#5: (male) puppy, smooth coat, predominately black with white
speckled forelegs,
chest, and irregular collar. Small white around muzzle.
4 Kg. White tip on tail.
Dog#6: (male) adult, black with white on muzzle extending up to center of
forehead
(blaze), white chest connecting to thin irregular shoulder collar. Tan on
forelegs and hind legs. White tip on tail, bushy tail, white
paws and belly thick coat, 11Kg.
Village: Bumbumafip; 2 ˝ hours walk from MRS across
meters.
Village descriptions; one family four people one house one
dog.
Dog#7: (female) adult, smooth coat. Black with white around
top of neck and chest, white legs and paws, white tip on tail, approx. 9 Kg.
Further descriptions of
At first
glance the village dogs of Malakomofip, most certainly resemble the phenotype
of the New Guinea Highland Wild Dog. The broad, wedge shaped head, along
with the slightly slanting triangular eyes and the short wide triangular ears
facing forward gave four of the six village dogs the “look” of this unique
canid. The dogs are maintained in a free-range situation but do have
particular ownership. The dogs became particularly aloof upon my presence
in the village. Three dogs (all three black and tans) took a threat
posture towards me and began to vocalize in what only can be described as a
soft “yipping” growl combination. These dogs were very quick and graceful
in their movements. Their bodies were well muscled, but not bulky.
Upon my first visit to this village. I was granted
permission to take a small tissue sample from the dogs’ ears. As
expected, after extracting the sample from the first dog, it “yipped” and then
all of the remaining dogs fled into the forest.
Evidence
of New Guinea Highland Wild Dog habitation in the Mekil Research Station Study
Area
In my 2 ˝ weeks on
I was,
however, able to collect five separate fecal samples found in the proximity of
main trails, heavily traveled by well-drained rock out-croppings used as rest
areas. None of the five samples seemed recently deposited. Urine
spots were identified alongside main pathways by the discoloration the urine
created on the moss covered forest floor and trees, in the moss cloud forest,
such as the Mekil Research Station Study Area, thick most moss carpets the
forest floor and completely envelopes tree trunks up as high as the
canopy. This substrate does not create a medium in which animal tracks on
trails are easily identified. My research assistants, raised in these
mountains, were very adept at recognizing the most insignificant disruption in
the forest floor. In time we were able to identify many well worn high
travel areas. Because the forest never completely dries, it is had to
tell how recently an animal track has been laid down. Many clear examples
of canid tracks were identified at the 1800-2000 meter level.
On two occasions, the author identified canid tracks that were not present
at the site 8-24 hours earlier. Some of the more obvious secondary trails
are said to be used jointly by both the NGWD and the dwarf cassowary. A
plaster cast of particularly clear track was made on 7/6 at an elevation of
1800 meters (measurements 60 mm width X 70 long.) On 7/5 while working
around the station, the author, another biologist, and a local Sokamin man
simultaneously heard what appeared to be a sudden yelp from a dog. All
agreed this is what the NGHWD sounded like. The sound was that sound made
be a dog when it is suddenly startled by a stimulus that creates some degree of
pain.
On 6/28 two
young Bumbumafip village girls, bringing vegetables up to the station, saw a
wild dog on the trail ahead of them at approximately 1650 meters. They
described the dog as follows: “Light brown in color with black around
nose. Tail standing straight up with much hair on end.
Ears go up.”
In
June of 1995, biologist Leo Salas heard the songs of the singing dog on the
ridge of Tilopobumabil, the mountains to the east of the Mekil Research
Station.
Measurements of two skulls said to be those of New Guinea Highland Wild
Dogs
|
Skull#1:
Killed by Tabasuium. (Sokamin hunter) 1995 in area of Mekil Research Station |
||
|
Upper Carnassial Length (mm) |
Condylonasal Length |
Ratio of Upper Carnassial to Condylonasal Length |
|
|
|
|
|
17 mm |
160 mm |
10.60% |
|
Skull#2:
Killed by Mukor. (Malakomofip hunter) 1992 in Tilopobumabil ridge region east
of Mekil Research Station. |
||
|
Upper Carnasial Length (mm |
Condylonasal Length |
Ratio of Upper Carnassial to Condylonasal Length |
|
16 mm |
155 mm |
10.30% |
*Skull#1 collected for further study
Diet of free-living New Guinea Highland Wild
Dog
This
information was compiled as a result of conservations with personal informants,
gross fecal examinations, personal observations of village dogs, and cited
references from Bino (1996).
It is an
agreed consensus among highland dwelling Papua New Guineans,
that the highland wild dogs diet consists of meat as well as
fruits. This canid is known to eat a variety of local smaller
mammals including kapul (opossums and cus cus). Rats,
and liklik rat (mice). Singing dogs will not hesitate to scavenge the
kills of other predators (Bino) or carrion left in neglected hunters’
traps. Gross fecal examinations by this author yielded whiskers of small
mammals. Cus cus toenails and femur bones of smaller mammals were also
found. Bright red coloration in some of the fecal samples is said to be
as a result of fruit in the diet (local informants).
New Guinea
Singing Dogs are said to eat fruit as a main portion of their diet, when it is
available. When the fruit ripens, during October and November, the Mokeem
and Wanamokeen fruit (Elaeocaurs sp) is a favored diet of the wild dogs (local
informants.)
Local hunters, more often that not, will see and occasionally spear wild
dogs are said to eat the fruit of the pandanus sp. The author has seen
Malkomofip village dogs readily eat papaya.
Further
extensive examinations of scats recovered on this study as well as those
collected by Bino. 1994. Should yield further definitive proof of the
wild dogs preferred diet. NGSD have also been known to eat grasses
(Bino.)
Based on
their feeding preferences and habitats, it appears that the NGSD are omnivorous
opportunities feeders, depending on seasonal availability. These characteristic
have enabled this canid to survive and prosper in an isolated habitat with such
rugged terrain.
New
Guinea Highland Wild Dog Trapping Campaign (1996)
The mid mountain mossy cloud forest beneath the 2800 meters
summit of Mt. Stolle is laced with a myriad of trails seemingly
unobservable except by those who truly know the forest. The more
obvious of these trails are said to be used jointly by the dwarf cassowary and
the
After
through exploration of the southern slopes of
Wild
free-living canids become very leery upon human encroachment in their
territories. Because of the short duration of this
exploratory expedition. I had to make certain adjustments to
maximize my efforts. I planned to inundate my trap sites with proven
canid baits, lures, and scents in an attempt to override their reluctance to
approach human odors with an overwhelming curiosity of these intense new
smells. Through the recommendation of North American canid trappers, I
selected baits and lures derived from fox and coyote anal glands and
urine. Supplies of shellfish oil and coyote bitch in heat urine were also
used in an attempt to attract the highland wild dog.
The extreme
difficulty in trapping an intelligent, elusive canid is well known. As
canids choose to frequent well established trails, I set snares in these
heavily traveled pathways.
In areas
that obviously had recent dog “activity”, I suspended bait or lure saturated
gauze packet at a height of approximately 1 ˝ meters above the three jump
traps that were set in a one meter circle.
Heat urine
was sprayed in the general area and along side the trails heading towards and
leading away from the trap site. Urine was also sprayed on my boots and
paths to help eliminate human odors and to indirectly deposit “scent” along
forest trails.
It was not
surprising to have been unsuccessful in this abbreviated trapping
campaign. Robert Bino found (in 1994) that the solitary wild dogs rarely
frequent the same resting places on a daily or even weekly basis. These
highly mobile dogs sometimes stay away months before they returned to a
sleeping site.
At one point
I had one jump trap sprung shut, but my assistants were unable to positively
identify the animal that caused the disturbance. A more extensive
trapping campaign is highly recommended.
New Guinea
Highland Wild Dog feces collected at Mekil Research Station (MRS) Study Area
Mt. Stolle,
|
Sample# |
Collected |
Location/Altitude |
Precise
Location |
Fecal
Condition |
Gross
Makeup |
|
1 |
6/12 |
Helipad
at MRS 1833 meters |
Top
of 3x1 meter boulder |
Very
old moss growth
on feces |
Hair
vibrissae |
|
2 |
6/25 |
North
of MRS alongside main path to Mt. Stolle |
On
top of a log 2 meters above the ground |
Not
fresh |
Toenails,claws,hair |
|
3 |
6/25 |
NW
of MRS west ridge at the head of Warusingqamet |
Just
off a heavily traveled trail by the base of the rocks |
Very
dry old |
Unidentifiable
hair, small bones |
|
4 |
6/26 |
West
of MRS |
Alongside
main path |
Old |
hair,
bone(femur) unidentifiable |
|
5 |
6/27 |
NW
of MRS (1 hour walk) |
At
the base of well drained rock outcrop |
Old |
No
visible hair in feces |
New Guinea
Highland Wild Dogs and their reactions to cassette recordings of captive NGSD
vocalization
I acquired
and took cassette recordings of captive NGSD to
Vocalizations of captive dogs owned by Jan Koler of the New Guinea Singing Dog
Club of America,
I also had
the opportunity to play recordings of captive NGSD vocalizations in the
presence of village dogs at Malakomofip, the closest village (2 ˝ hours walk
downhill) to the
Upon hearing
chorus recordings, the village dogs immediately became very alert exhibiting a
stiffening of the posture with their ears becoming erect. Several dogs
titled their heads from side to side. One dog approached the recorder in
gradually reducing concentric circling. At one point one dog responded in
a short bust (three seconds) of a howl-like vocalization then retreated to the
bush.
After
approximately five minutes all dogs lost interest in the recordings.
Village residents also stated that these are indeed the sounds that the wild
mountain dog makes.
Disposition of NGSD in Captivity in PNG
1996
Port Moresby Zoo-There are no longer any wild dogs kept at this Zoo Moilaka
Wildlife Sanctuary (In Erima)-Of the six NGSD “repatriated” a few wears ago
from the Toronga Zoo in Australia, they are all deceased. The sixth one
died last year.
In regard to Robert Bino, his work on NGSD behavior and his paper published in
Science in
Robert Bino is currently working at
I have
written extensively to Robert, but was unable to meet with him while I was in
PNG. I collected fecal samples for him to include with the samples he
collected at Mekil in 1994. From what I understand Robert is still
correlating information he has gathered from his last analysis and should be
reported soon. I requested a rough draft of his findings, thus far.
I have also acquired a copy of his paper. “Notes on
Behavior of NGSD’S” soon to be published in Science in
It is my
understanding that Robert will be traveling to the
I have made
arrangements to have him call me and Dr. Brisbin while he is in the
“States”. I have also arranged for the Associate Curator of Mammals at
the NYZP to speak with him when he is there.
Robert is
also interested in attending graduate school and is looking for an
advisor. I pledged to RCF that I would try to assist him with this.
Additional Materials Recovered, Requiring Further Analysis and Examination
Tissue and hair samples from two village dogs with phenotypes resembling
closely that of Pure New Highland Wild Dogs.
Tissue collected in 10% buffered formalin.
One of the dogs is said to have been sired by a wild dog.
Complete skull said to be that of a New Guinea Highland Wild Dog upper
Carnassial and condylonasal lengths are consistent with those of NGSD skulls
(i.e. upper Carnassial is greater than 10% of total jaw length).
Five separate fecal samples obtained from the study area said to be those of
the New Guinea Highland Wild Dog.
It has been suggested that there are still populations of wild dogs on
the summits of
It is believed that there are probably wild dogs throughout the high altitudes
of the central mountain spine.
It would be difficult to determine the status and numbers of wild dogs
in the
After DNA fingerprinting of the tissue samples of the dogs of Manakomofip, a
determination can be made as to the importance of these dogs in regard to their
genetic value to the captive populations of NGSD.
PNG “Pijin” Language was not a problem. With a few adjustments, it is
almost interchangeable with
A more extensive trapping campaign needs to be undertaken at Mekil.