Painted Dog Conservation was founded in 1992 by wildlife conservation biologist Greg Rasmussen for the protection of the

painted dog The African wild dog (''Lycaon pictus''), also called the painted dog or Cape hunting dog, is a wild canine which is a native species to sub-Saharan Africa. It is the largest wild canine in Africa, and the only extant member of the genus '' Lyca ...

s (''Lycaon pictus'') and their

habitat In ecology, the term habitat summarises the array of resources, physical and biotic factors that are present in an area, such as to support the survival and reproduction of a particular species. A species habitat can be seen as the physical ...

. Painted Dog Conservation works to engage and incorporate local communities in protecting painted dogs in

Zimbabwe Zimbabwe (), officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, is a landlocked country located in Southeast Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers, bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the south-west, Zambia to the north, and ...

. The painted dog, or African wild dog, was once common in Africa with estimates of over half a million spread among 39 countries. Current estimates put their numbers at about 3,000 only found in

Tanzania Tanzania (; ), officially the United Republic of Tanzania ( sw, Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania), is a country in East Africa within the African Great Lakes region. It borders Uganda to the north; Kenya to the northeast; Comoro Islands ...

Zambia Zambia (), officially the Republic of Zambia, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central, Southern and East Africa, although it is typically referred to as being in Southern Africa at its most central point. Its neighbours are t ...

Mozambique Mozambique (), officially the Republic of Mozambique ( pt, Moçambique or , ; ny, Mozambiki; sw, Msumbiji; ts, Muzambhiki), is a country located in southeastern Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi ...

, Zimbabwe,

Botswana Botswana (, ), officially the Republic of Botswana ( tn, Lefatshe la Botswana, label= Setswana, ), is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Botswana is topographically flat, with approximately 70 percent of its territory being the Kal ...

and

South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the north by the neighbouring coun ...

. Since PDC's creation, Zimbabwe's wild dog population has increased from 400 to 700 individuals. Painted Dog Conservation is partnered with the Wildlife Conservation Network.

Programs

Collars and road signs

Painted Dog Conservation uses catch-and-release techniques and places colored collars on the dogs to demonstrate to local ranchers that the dogs are few in numbers and have convinced many of them to not shoot at the dogs. The reflective collars, combined with signs at key crossing areas, have reduced road collisions by 50%.

Anti-poaching units

Painted Dog Conservation has created anti-poaching units staffed by locals to provide protection, gather data and collect poaching snares.

Snare wire art

The snares collected by the anti-poaching units are given to local community artists who turn them into animal sculptures. Through sales of these snares and other crafts they spread the conservation message of the painted dogs both to their own community and internationally.

Monitoring

Painted Dog Conservation uses radio collars to collect information about pack movements. This information contributes to their relocation to predator-friendly areas and to expand their range when needed.

Rehabilitation

A Painted Dog Conservation rehabilitation facility is available for injured painted dogs until they can be re-released into the wild.

Bush camp

Painted Dog Conservation holds a free environmental bush camp for local 6th-grade school children by local guides in hopes of inspiring them in conservation.

Visitors center

Painted Dog Conservation's visitor center was completed in 2007. The center offers an education facility including a painted dog viewing platform and an interpretive hall.

References

External links

Painted Dog Conservation

Painted Dog Conservation
(UK)
Wildlife Conservation Network
{{DEFAULTSORT:Painted Dog Conservation Animal conservation organizations Organizations established in 1992 Mammal conservation Dog organizations Animal welfare organisations based in Zimbabwe