Pet-Wildlife Interactions Near Ghana's National Parks: Conservation and Health Risks.

Domestic cats and dogs are the most widely distributed animals associated with humans. They influence wildlife mortality through predation. Yet, little is known about their impacts in the protected landscapes of many African countries. We investigated the relationship between pet husbandry practices and wildlife predation within Ghanaian communities adjacent to protected areas to fill this knowledge gap using a mixed-methods approach. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise information on pet demography and husbandry practices, while generalised linear models were used to examine predictors of pet predation on wildlife. We found that most cats and dogs had unrestricted outdoor access, were provided rationed food, and were undewormed and unvaccinated. Predation on wildlife was significantly higher in cats than in dogs. Notably, pet age significantly influenced bird predation but showed no effect for reptiles. Pets fed rationed food were more likely to prey on wildlife than those fed ad libitum. Thus, poor feeding practices and unrestricted outdoor access increased the likelihood of predation and exposure to pathogens. Our findings underscore the need for integrated strategies (e.g. education and improved husbandry practices) under a One Health framework to mitigate impacts on wildlife and zoonotic diseases of public health concern in protected landscapes.