Conservationists fret over dwindling painted dog population

CONSERVATIONISTS are sounding the alarm over the dwindling population of painted dogs, also known as the African wild dog, in Zimbabwe, with less than 700 remaining in the country.

The survival of this endangered species is dependent on community co-operation and protecting their habitat.

Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) is working in areas surrounding Hwange National Park and Mana Pools to safeguard this unique and fascinating species.

PDC marketing and communications manager, Ronnie Sibanda, is urging the community to support conservation efforts to ensure the survival of these animals.

“We do many projects for the community we operate in around Hwange National Park.

“We believe that for any conservation effort to succeed, there should be a buy-in from the community to save wildlife,” he said.

“We have less than 700 painted dogs remaining in Zimbabwe, hence we need to create harmony between people and nature. If the community understands animal behaviour, it will help.”

Mr Sibanda said painted dogs are an endangered species and there are benefits to be derived from conserving them.

“It is collaborative efforts that will make us all succeed in conservation.

“The attitude of communities towards painted dogs and wildlife has positively changed over the years due to intervention programmes,” he said.

PDC is implementing projects to promote conservation, including community and school education programmes, anti-poaching measures, and supporting local farmers.

These collaborative efforts are crucial for the conservation and protection of the painted dog, a highly successful predator with a success rate of over 80 percent in hunting.

The captivating painted dog, with its stunning coat patterns and strong family bonds, is a testament to its adaptability and intelligence, making it a priority for conservationists and initiatives such as PDC to safeguard its future.

“Painted dogs have special characteristics that resemble those of human beings as they respect the family hierarchy and have only one breeding pair,” he said.

“They don’t mate among the pack or with family members. A pair is chosen for mating and the rest assist in raising puppies as a family. When they want to mate, they leave the family to find partners elsewhere and that is when they start to roam on their own,” said Mr Sibanda.

He said when they meet another pack they choose the mating pair.

“The others become uncles and aunties and they will support the two that would have been chosen. When they have puppies, there is always a babysitter who is fed by the pack,” said Mr Sibanda.

“Painted dogs take care of their sick and elderly and they don’t leave their folks to die. They feed and nurse them until the member dies.”

Mr Sibanda said there is a need for international and local support for endangered species.

PDC has been a permanent partner of the Matabeleland North Show Society during the Matabeleland North Agricultural Show. The organisation has capacitated farmers and also donated prizes for winners every year.

“We have invested in farmers because we believe they are natural custodians of wildlife and they should know what to do. We are always at the Matabeleland North Agricultural Show and are keen to help farmers.

“For us, the agricultural show presents an opportunity to talk directly to many farmers from different communities and address any issues they might have.”

Addressing farmers at the recent agricultural show, PDC community liaison manager, Ms Primrose Sibanda, said collaboration is key to conservation efforts.

“We should help each other raise awareness to protect our wildlife, especially painted dogs. If you see a painted dog or even some poachers get in touch with us on the zero-tolerance toll-free number,” she said.

“There is a reward for that and your identity will be protected.”

Painted dogs are native to the grasslands, Savannahs, and woodland areas of Zimbabwe, as well as other parts of Africa.

They are highly adaptable and can thrive in various habitats; from arid regions to more densely vegetated areas.

Their stunning coat patterns, which resemble an artist’s brush strokes, make them one of the most visually captivating animals in the African wilderness.

Each pack is led by an alpha pair, and the rest of the pack work together to raise their young, hunt for food, and defend their territory. — @ncubeleon