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Painted Dogs Hwange

Wild Dog Conservation Project - Hwange National Park

The Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) project aimed at protecting, rehabilitating and re-introducing packs into the wild

A REAL SUCCESS STORY - the Painted Dog population in Zimbabwe is Growing.

African Wild Dogs

tracing their ancestry back more than 40-million years but today an endangered species.
Of the estimated 3000 in the wild, one-sixth of this population are found in Zimbabwe.

Extremely social animals, the strength of the Painted Dog Pack utilises 3 aspects : socialization, vocalization and hunting methods.

Packs can range in numbers from 6 to 30 individuals.

Often misunderstood as a voracious killer - Painted Dogs will mourn the death of one of their kind - pups are always fed first and members care for the sick and injured in their group.

Painting Wild Dogs

Picture Slide Show

Wild Dog Conservation Project photos

The Conservation Model - How Did It Work

A number of factors were involved :

# PDC designed anti snare radio collars

# Roads signs were posted alerting motorists to the dogs presence in the area

# Painted Dogs were placed in the "Specially Protected" category of the Parks & Wildlife Act

# an anti poaching unit was formed

# a rehabilitation facility was erected

# Community development projects were put in place employing men, women and children.
Snare wires were turned into crafts and are being sold worldwide.