A survey on the status of the coyote (Canis Latrans) in Georgia
</p> <p>Coyotes <i>Canis latrans</i> are known to have caused damage to the agriculture industry of Georgia since 1958. Since that year that threat has grown as the population increased. To determine the magnitude of the coyote problem a study was begun in 1975. The objective...
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Virginia Tech
2014
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/10919/43738 http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-07152010-020152/ |
| Summary: | </p>
<p>Coyotes <i>Canis latrans</i> are known to have caused damage to the agriculture
industry of Georgia since 1958. Since that year that threat
has grown as the population increased. To determine the magnitude of the
coyote problem a study was begun in 1975. The objectives of this study
was to determine the coyotes population and distribution, physical characteristics,
and damage activity in Georgia.</p>
<p>
In 1975-1976, coyote surveys were run throughout Georgia using tape recorded
howls to establish the distribution and relative density of this
species. Minimum densities based on howling responses ranged from one
coyote/60.9 km2 in the Upper Coastal Plain to one coyote/333.3 km2 in the
Lower Coastal Plain. No coyotes were located from the Piedmont northward.
Weights, standard body and skull measurements were obtained from 27
coyotes in an effort to determine the form of Georgia coyotes. Males
were significantly larger and heavier than females. The coyotes collected
in Georgia were consistently lighter and smaller than coyotes reported
from eastern Texas. Attempts to classify the skulls to the subspecies
level was not feasible because of lack of comparative information. The
analysis of skulls did show that specimens from Georgia seem more properly
referable to coyotes, although some dental characteristics indicated a
relationship to dogs.</p>
<p>
One hundred and forty-four County Extension Offices replied to a
coyote damage questionnaire. Only 16 reported coyote damage in their
counties. Analysis of the replies indicated that coyote damage was increasing.</p>
<p>
In general, damage was concentrated in south central Georgia
and most was judged light to insignificant. Pigs and cattle were the
livestock most frequently damaged and watermelons were the most damaged
crop. The economic value of coyote damage is estimated to be $50,000
annually.</p> === Master of Science |
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