2018 was an action-packed year for Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), marking their 20th anniversary of being an active force in saving and conserving painted wolves. You can read a summary of all their work in their latest Annual Report.
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The report outlines the great work that PDC has been undertaking in and around the Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks. Excitingly, a new research centre will be established in Mana Pools in 2019. There is a welcome increase of interest in the painted wolves in Mana Pools, due in no small part to Painted Wolves: A Wild Dog’s Life and BBC’s Dynasties. PDC will continue to monitor the packs and their prey, and advise ZimParks on conservation action on their behalf.
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Monitoring of wildlife through radio collars gives crucial insight into the lives of painted wolves, and helps to ensure their conservation . In 2018, PDC collared an additional 15 wolves. They estimate that there are approximately 392 adult painted wolves in PDC’s two areas of operation; Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park in the Mid-Zambezi Valley.
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Anti-poaching is a never-ending task in conservation. For painted wolves, snaring is one of the more common human-induced threats. PDC runs anti-poaching patrols who work tirelessly to remove wire-snares before they can do damage. In 2018 local community volunteers joined this effort. PDC also introduced their new K9 unit which will help them in tracking poachers, hopefully making would-be poachers think twice. This is critically important, not only for the local community, but for the painted wolves as well!
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Wire snare collected on patrol. Photo Credit: Nicholas Dyer Photography
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Education is another critical part of PDC’s work. The results of PDC’s Iganyana Children’s Bush Camp are heart-warming. 28 camps in 2018 changed 1058 children’s perspectives on wildlife in a positive manner. There is also the delightful news that Maria Njamba, a PDC stalwart, has been awarded both the Disney Conservation Hero Award and the Houston Zoo Wildlife Warrior Award.
And finally, you can read all the latest news about the ups and downs of life for the packs of painted wolves in Hwange and Mana Pools. From the devastating news of loss in the Destiny Pack to the successful capture and release of the Mpindo Pack.
Congratulations to PDC on a successful year and we are wishing you all the best for 2019.
Learn more about conservation of painted wolves across Africa.
