In 2023, the Painted Wolf Foundation (PWF) supported the Kenya Wildlife Trust’s Mara Predator Conservation Programme (MPCP) to develop a conservation strategy and start building conservation capacity for painted wolves in the Greater Mara ecosystem. This led to a $22,500 grant from the Painted Dog Fund to implement it. This initiative addresses a pressing challenge: nearly 80% of the Maasai view painted wolves as problematic, with a third rejecting their presence entirely. Without changing these perceptions, conflicts and poor survival rates will continue to threaten the species’ future.
MPCP is working to transform attitudes and foster coexistence between Maasai communities and painted wolves. Initially, PWF supported the MPCP team’s visit to Painted Dog Conservation to aid in developing their painted wolf strategy and integrating PDC’s knowledge on painted wolves into Maasai landscape conservation efforts. MPCP then incorporated this training to create a community-based monitoring program which empowers locals to report wild dog sightings, while trained ambassadors, inspired by the successful “lion guardians” model, promote coexistence and manage an early warning system to prevent livestock conflicts.
To further reduce negative perceptions, MPCP hosted eight community meetings and five painted wolf naming barazas. These gatherings invited the Maasai to learn about painted wolves and name packs after local landmarks and cultural symbols, fostering a sense of ownership and turning traditions into powerful conservation tools.
MPCP has also trained rangers from seven conservancies within the Mara ecosystem through four targeted sessions, equipping them to build stronger relationships between communities and painted wolves.
With a grant from the Painted Dog Fund and support from PWF, MPCP’s community-led approach is laying the groundwork for painted wolves and the Maasai to thrive together.
