Protecting the Pack: What Your Support Makes Possible

Painted dogs are one of the world’s rarest canines – with the estimated population of just 1,400 mature individuals likely in decline. Their numbers have decreased by 98% in the last century.

The work we support and fund in Zimbabwe incorporates an active Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) as well as immersive Bush Camps for children. Our field partner concentrates its efforts within farmland and estates along the eastern border of Hwange National Park. Currently, two packs are closely monitored – the Mpindotela and Kingsbury packs. The need for their protection was highlighted during an incident recently reported to us in an update.

A Race to Save Washy

A signal from a painted dog fitted with a GPS collar was detected and the rangers closed in. It quickly became clear only six of the seven-strong pack could be accounted for. The rangers began an immediate search of the area, fearing the worst for the missing pack member, known as Washy.

Washy was discovered with a wire snare around his back and was kept calm by a ranger named Lephius, who put a blanket over his head to reduce stimulation and fear, whilst veterinary aid was sought. Washy was sedated and freed with only minor wounds and was able to re-join the nearby pack. This was Washy’s fourth time being caught in a snare. Without these dedicated rangers, he would never have survived.

Educating for Long-Term Change

Over the last year, 7,334 snares have been removed by the patrols and APU. These include both steel and cable loop snares, as well as spring-jaw and bird traps. One area alone averaged 228 snares in 1 km2. Yet, rangers can only be effective when allowed to be. Hunters often challenge their presence during game seasons, which can see the rangers ordered to vacate land and only be able to patrol during gaps in the season. In their absence, the dogs are vulnerable and open to abuse of the law. Which is why community engagement is the other vital aspect of this programme. Our funding has introduced 818 students to the wild world on their doorstep through 29 free Bush Camps for schools across the region. And our long-term effectiveness can be measured in the four former Bush Camp attendees who are now working in wildlife conservation across the area.

Our support has also enabled liaison with communities. When the Mabale Solar Plant (a new power station capable of generating 15MW) was constructed in Hwange, it meant the displacement of families. Our support enabled tours and visits to the plant – meaning the families now know how moving helped to contribute to the greater good. And the renovation of the Gwayi Animal Health Centre has helped bridge a gap between the conservation team and local farmers, providing them with safe, secure storage of vaccines and other medicines with upgraded facilities, including a fridge and air conditioning.

A Fragile Success

Your support means that the project in Zimbabwe can report the highest dog population it has recorded in 25 years – approximately 250 painted dogs distributed in established packs across Hwange National Park and the wider region. Although this is a significant success, it only highlights just how fragile things are for painted dogs across Africa.

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