The Painted Dog Fund has made a grant of $70,000 to Tsavo Trust to create a significant
painted wolf conservation operation in Tsavo East National Park for the very first time.
Known for its vast wilderness, iconic big tusker elephants, and endangered black rhinos,
Tsavo East, Kenya’s largest national park. Despite its potential to support the country’s
largest painted wolf population, this species has been in sharp decline, with fluctuating
numbers over recent decades and no dedicated painted wolf conservation programme in
place.
With its strong reputation and long-standing presence in Tsavo, Tsavo Trust works in close
partnership with Kenya Wildlife Services, the Kenyan Wildlife Research and Training
Institute, and has strong long-term relationships with local communities. Their excellent track
record in conservation makes them great candidates to spearhead a focussed painted wolf
conservation strategy.
Over the past year, PWF has collaborated with Tsavo Trust and their partners to shape this
conservation strategy, defining clear objectives, identifying effective methods, and advising
on overall budgets. Additionally, PWF will provide specialised training for a new Tsavo Trust
painted wolf ecologist, both initially through PWF’s Conservation Training Manager and later
through ongoing mentorship. This approach will ensure that Tsavo Trust is well-equipped to
implement the programme from its inception.
The combination of the Painted Dog Fund’s significant funding, PWF’s expertise in painted
wolf conservation, and Tsavo Trust’s expertise, area knowledge, and experience holds great
promise for reversing the decline of painted wolves in Tsavo and securing their future in one
of Kenya’s most iconic landscapes.
