The Kambu Pack numbered four adult individuals when the alpha female was first observed to be denning in May 2026. The den site was located inside the Kamungi Community Conservancy.
Unlike dens established in more remote protected areas, dens in community lands are more vulnerable because painted wolves share the landscape with people and livestock This makes successful breeding in these areas particularly significant for the long-term conservation of the species.
When this new den was disturbed by activity in the immediate vicinity, the alpha female relocated her pups deeper into community lands. The Tsavo Trust field team and monitored the situation closely during this vulnerable time.
Excitingly, on 23rd June, pups were sighted from the air, increasing the pack size to 13!
This successful denning event in community lands reflects the proven conservation measures being delivered by Tsavo Trust in the Tsavo east landscape, with technical support provided by the painted Wolf Foundation and funding from the Painted Dog Fund.
Every pup counts when only 6,500 painted wolves remain across Africa and the Kambu Pack is an indication of the success of the community coexistence work that has been invested in by Tsavo Trust and the Kamungi Conservancy, with the support of Kenya Wildlife Service and Wildlife Research and Training Institute, with funding by the Painted Dog Fund.
