The latest update from Painted Dog Conservation is out! Click HERE to read about PDC’s critical work in two major painted wolf populations in Hwange and the Zambezi Valley of Zimbabwe.
Major achievements
- PDC worked with Speak Out For Animals to lobby for painted wolves to be listed as a specially protected species in Zimbabwe. This now means that any unlawful killing of a painted wolf carries a minimum mandatory nine-year jail term, underlining Zimbabwe’s commitment to protecting its natural resources.
- The continued critical monitoring of the packs in the mid-Zambezi Valley is ongoing from PDC’s base in Mana Pools National Park. Click through to read more about the challenges facing the packs across this diverse landscape.
Painted Wolf Lockdown
- Five painted wolves are currently housed in PDC’s rehabilitation centre in Hwange. These animals will hopefully be released to be part of the important Hwange population.
- The Mpindo pack, housed in a boma in Mana Pools National Park, is now a pack of 19 painted wolves. They are soon to be released, with the ongoing support of ZimParks and Wilderness Safaris. Read more about the history of this pack, and this remarkable and innovative partnership for conservation.
Covid and Canids
The COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted PDC’s work dramatically. Education and community programmes were suspended, and the tracking of study packs was curtailed when the parks were closed. However, there have been some important achievements.
- PDC has purchased and donated essential personal protective equipment to five local clinics with which they have an ongoing relationship.
- Anti-poaching teams are still operating and absolutely critical at this time when the upsurge in bushmeat poaching is stretching resources. Another poor rainy season and the impact of the pandemic has resulted in unprecedented hardships to local people.
For more detail, click HERE to read the newsletter, and click HERE to support PDC’s vital work in the field.
