When thinking of endangered species, the dog is the last animal to come to mind – but one type of dog, the African Painted Dog, is indeed a rare find these days. In the last 100 years, it’s estimated that populations have dropped a whopping 99 percent - down to just 3000 remaining dogs. Luckily the Painted Dog Conservation Program (PDCP) is doing its part to help the species come back from the brink of extinction.
The organization does this by focusing on research, education, and community awareness. The poaching threat in Zimbabwe remains an ever present menace, with poachers using readily available copper telephone wire to construct deadly snares. In response to this, the Painted Dog Anti-Poaching Unit was created – and to date has recovered more than 2270 snares. That said, efforts to curtail poaching have a long way to go - with only four poachers arrested this year. The problem stems from a lingering governmental unwillingness to invest in anti poaching regulation.
PDCP believes that the greatest hope comes from directly involving local community members and making them care about the plight of the dogs. One such successful effort involves the school children of the area. Over 5000 students have attended “Bush Camp” since the program began. During the camps, children are taken for drives where they’re able to see a great variety of wildlife.
For many, it’s their first time seeing these animals. The most excitement was generated with the recent sighting of three painted dogs crossing the road just in front of the vehicle, providing the perfect example of why many of the dogs are killed on the roads by motorists. This unfortunate fact prompted an immediate discussion about how the use of things like reflective radio collars and road signs labeled “Painted Dog Crossing” can help prevent road kill deaths.
After the trips, many children express a desire to pass on the message of conservation on to their parents and peers. Some have even suggested that older people should come for lessons since they’re the main culprits when it comes to illegal hunting activities.
The SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is pleased to help support the organization’s efforts to help preserve this valuable species.
