Presentation Details
| Modeling Free-Roaming Dog Ecology and Management: A Systematic Review of Agent-Based Simulation Studies Soraida Quintero1, Emily Minor1. 1University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.2University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA |
Abstract
Free-roaming dogs (FRD) are widespread globally, especially in areas with limited veterinary access where reproduction is sustained by human provisioning. They occur in villages, cities, and rural landscapes alongside people. Managing FRD populations is costly, limiting large-scale implementation and evaluation of control strategies.
Agent-based models (ABMs) have been used to examine FRD dynamics and assess management by simulating interactions among dogs, humans, and their environment. This review synthesizes nine ABM studies evaluating fertility control, female-targeted sterilization, lethal control, vaccination, and fencing. Female-focused sterilization outperforms other approaches in reducing populations, while lethal control produces only short-term effects.
Most models use fixed carrying capacity rather than incorporating human behaviors that shape resource availability, such as feeding or ownership. This review shows that while modeling provides insight into intervention effectiveness, cultural and behavioral drivers remain indirectly represented. Integrating socio-ecological feedbacks into ABMs could improve effectiveness and support more culturally responsive strategies.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
Agent-based models (ABMs) have been used to examine FRD dynamics and assess management by simulating interactions among dogs, humans, and their environment. This review synthesizes nine ABM studies evaluating fertility control, female-targeted sterilization, lethal control, vaccination, and fencing. Female-focused sterilization outperforms other approaches in reducing populations, while lethal control produces only short-term effects.
Most models use fixed carrying capacity rather than incorporating human behaviors that shape resource availability, such as feeding or ownership. This review shows that while modeling provides insight into intervention effectiveness, cultural and behavioral drivers remain indirectly represented. Integrating socio-ecological feedbacks into ABMs could improve effectiveness and support more culturally responsive strategies.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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