BOMA
DESIGN
HOLDING BOMAS.
As wild dogs are moved between reserves in an attempt to mimic natural dispersal patterns they are frequently forced to bond artificially to form new packs. When reintroducing wild dogs to an area, holding them in a boma (holding enclosure) for a period of time prior to their release increases post-release success (measured in terms of survival and breeding success). This notion is supported by WAG and implemented whenever dogs are translocated to new areas or new packs are artificially formed.
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Most holding bomas are roughly 100 x 100 m in diameter and consist of both inner and outer electrical fencing to prevent conflict between dogs separated within the boma and to prevent conflict between the dogs held within the boma and animals that linger on the outskirts of the boma. Each compartment found within a holding boma consists of a water trough and each compartment where dogs are held receives its own food until the gate separating the wild dogs is open.
BOMA OBSERVATIONS.
Observation and behavioural monitoring of wild dogs when bonding in bomas is important to determine (i) readiness of groups to be united (if initially being held separately), (ii) readiness of new pack to be released and (iii) to step in to avoid fatalities if aggression should occur.
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If after a certain period of time after the separated dogs have been allowed to cross into each other’s section of the boma and no aggression is shown. The pack would be considered to be stabled and then would be allowed to be released into the wild.
