In the last 100 years, the African Painted Dog population has dropped a whopping 99% - down to just 3000 remaining dogs – making them one of the rarest species in all of Africa. These precious pups are often the victims of poaching, killings by farmers and run-ins with automobile traffic. But one organization has vowed to come to the aid of these defenseless dogs. The Painted Dog Conservation Program (PDCP) is focusing on research, education and community development in order to save them.
The organization believes that the species greatest hope comes from directly involving local community members and making them care about the plight of the dogs. They’ve employed a wide array of tactics to make that a reality – from offering individuals new financial opportunities as a substitute for poaching - to the use of things like reflective radio collars and road signs labeled “Painted Dog Crossing” to prevent road kill deaths.
Ironically, the PDCP plans to use northern Zimbabwe’s Starvation Island as a place to help the dogs flourish. The island will be used as a release area for rescued Painted Dogs re-learning to live on their own - or as a first area for Painted Dogs rescued as pups to gain stamina, learn hunting skills and prepare for successful relocation into a mainland habitat.
Last year, in response to severe flooding on Starvation Island, the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund awarded an Animal Crisis Grant to the PDCP to help them maintain their valuable contributions to the species.
