Simple Summary Livestock predation fuels conflicts between humans and wildlife, leading to the killing of wild animals such as Andean bears, jaguars, and pumas. Despite wild predators being blamed, domestic dogs also harm livestock and spread diseases among animals and people, affecting nature, local livelihoods, food, and our well-being, the very goals the United Nations aims to safeguard by 2030. In Ecuador, where families depend on livestock, retaliatory hunting jeopardizes the survival of wildlife. However, the role of dogs in these conflicts remains unclear. This study analyzed DNA found on bite wounds, revealing traces of dog saliva on animals presumed to be attacked by wild predators. This discovery challenges misconceptions about these animals in Ecuador and emphasizes the need to manage dog populations more effectively. To address this issue, we propose incorporating DNA tests in livestock predation cases to assess the involvement of dogs accurately. By understanding the true causes, strategies can be devised to mitigate these conflicts, preserving the vital role of these important animals in our ecosystem.Abstract Livestock predation induces global human-wildlife conflict, triggering the retaliatory killing of large carnivores. Although domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) contribute to livestock depredation, blame primarily falls on wild predators. Dogs can also transmit pathogens between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. Therefore, the presence of free-ranging dogs can have negative consequences for biodiversity conservation, smallholder economy, food supply, and public health, four of the United Nations' Sustainable Developed Goals (SDGs) for 2030. In Ecuador, where livestock sustains rural households, retaliatory poaching threatens Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus), jaguar (Panthera onca), and puma (Puma concolor) populations. However, the role of dogs in these incidents remains underexplored. The present study evaluates the possibility of reliable molecular identification of predatory species from DNA traces in bite wounds. Our results revealed the presence of dog saliva on four out of six livestock carcasses presumably attacked by wild predators. These findings highlight the importance of rectifying misinformation about large carnivores in Ecuador and the need to control dog populations. We recommend that local administrations incorporate DNA analysis into livestock predation events to examine how common the problem is, and to use the analysis to develop conflict mitigation strategies which are essential for the conservation of large carnivores.
