Data mining as a tool for Balearic Islands endangered dog breed conservation and breeding: Analyzing censuses and...

Indigenous dog breeds of the Balearic Islands constitute an essential part of regional biodiversity and cultural heritage, yet many face endangerment due to shrinking population sizes and delayed institutional recognition. This study assessed the usefulness of multivariate statistics and data-mining tools to analyse temporal trends and census evolution in these breeds, with emphasis on the influence of breeder associations and conservation structures. Canonical discriminant analysis effectively distinguished demographic patterns among breeds while identifying and accounting for multicollinearity, enabling the exclusion of unreliable variables. A single discriminant function captured nearly all variability, highlighting its strong ability to separate breeds according to registry and census characteristics, with registry size emerging as the dominant discriminatory factor. Decision-tree modelling showed that rapid creation and official recognition of breeder associations accelerated conservation progress by promoting organisational stability and earlier institutional protection. Early foundational actions-such as systematic record keeping and development of breed standards-substantially reduced the time required for official recognition. Functional classification also shaped vulnerability: herding and guarding breeds exhibited greater susceptibility to census decline. Additionally, the number of breeding females recorded in foundational censuses emerged as a critical long-term sustainability indicator. The integrated application of multivariate and data-mining approaches provides a robust analytical framework for understanding demographic dynamics in endangered dog populations. Results emphasise that rapid organisational development, early pedigree and phenotypic documentation, and preservation of traditional functional roles, particularly hunting, are central to the effective conservation of Balearic indigenous dog breeds. These insights offer actionable guidance for breeders, associations, and policymakers aiming to safeguard genetic diversity and cultural heritage.