  The domestic dog is known to have evolved from gray wolves, about 15,000
years ago. They majorly exist as free-ranging populations across the world.
They are typically scavengers and well adapted to living among humans. Most
canids living in and around urban habitats tend to avoid humans and show
crepuscular activity peaks. In this study, we carried out a detailed
population-level survey on free-ranging dogs in West Bengal, India, to
understand the activity patterns of free-ranging dogs in relation to human
activity. Using 5669 sightings of dogs, over a period of 1 year, covering the
24 hours of the day, we carried out an analysis of the time-activity budget of
free-ranging dogs to conclude that they are generalists in their habit. They
remain active when humans are active. Their activity levels are affected
significantly by age class and time of the day. Multivariate analysis revealed
the presence of certain behavioural clusters on the basis of time of the day
and energy expenditure in the behaviours. In addition, we provide a detailed
ethogram of free-ranging dogs. This, to our knowledge, is the first study of
this kind, which might be used to further study the eco-ethology of these dogs.

Populations and Evolution