Data for Resting Site Preferences in Free-ranging Dogs

The dataset documents resting behavior and site selection of 66 free-ranging dog groups (N = 284) across India over three years (2019–2022) during different seasons. It includes 12 physical parameters of resting sites, behavioral states, and climatic conditions, recorded using a custom Android application. The data reveal that dogs prefer resting sites near resources, at the center of their territories, with maximum visibility, minimal disturbance, and low insect presence, suggesting adaptive strategies for resource defense, thermoregulation, and insect avoidance. This dataset can inform studies on urban animal behavior and aid urban planners in designing inclusive spaces for improved coexistence.

本数据集详细记录了66个自由觅食犬群（N = 284）在印度不同季节（2019-2022年）三年的休息行为及其栖息地选择情况。数据集涵盖了12个与休息地点、行为状态及气候条件相关的物理参数，并利用定制安卓应用程序进行记录。研究结果表明，犬类倾向于选择靠近资源、位于领地中心、视野开阔、干扰最小、昆虫数量较少的休息地点，这表明了其在资源防御、体温调节和昆虫回避方面的适应性策略。该数据集可为城市动物行为研究提供信息，并有助于城市规划者设计包容性空间，以促进动物与人类的和谐共处。