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Investigation of Free-living Highland Wild Dogs Near Grasberg Gold Mine, Papua Province, Indonesia

James McIntyre, Caitlin Curry , Lisa Wolf, Hendra Maury , Leonardo Numberi , Suriani Surbakti, Brian Davis

Abstract

Following reports of free-living wild dogs resembling the descriptions and behaviors of New Guinea Singing Dogs in the Puncak Jaya area, a three-phase assessment was conducted in 2016, 2018, and 2022 to determine the incidence, status, and natural history of wild dogs in the vicinity of the Grasberg Gold Mine in Papua Province, Indonesia. The assessments identified the existence of Highland Wild Dogs (HWD) through indirect and direct observations using trail cameras and field observation. Additional quantitative information about their behavior and morphology were collected through the capture of eight dogs. The captured dogs underwent comprehensive medical examinations, and biological samples were collected for genomic analyses to determine the genetic relationship between HWD and other canines. Additionally, four of the dogs were equipped with global positioning system (GPS) collars to study the ranging behavior of HWD for the first time. Documenting the existence of HWD further strengthens the establishment of Papua’s position as one of the world’s megadiverse regions.

AM23047  Accepted 08 May 2025

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