Genetic diversity of a species may not necessarily be a key indicator of extinction.
Livestock guarding dogs might not be so friendly to wildlife.
Dogs provide an alternative way to control predators without farmers relying on lethal methods like shooting or poisoning wildlife animals.
Researchers found that on average 34% of dogs chased wildlife animals and 10% killed them. Most harassed species weren't likely threats. A majority were small mammals like badgers and large herbivores like impala. Dogs also chased or killed species at risk of extinction including cheetahs and leopards. The study suggests finding balance between protecting livestock and protecting wildlife. In fact, while dogs threaten wild birds in some places, the same dog breeds have effectively penguins from red foxes in Australia. By keeping wild animals away from livestock, dogs limit disease transmission between them and grazing competition.
Vaccinate dogs to limit them transmitting diseases. Give them high quality food and training to reduce their chances of preying on wildlife.
Original study:
DON’T FOCUS ON GENETIC DIVERSITY TO SAVE OUR SPECIES
Original paper:
The inflated significance of neutral genetic diversity in conservation genetics