Struggling to cope: painted wolves under pressure from human encroachment
African wild dogs, otherwise known as painted wolves, are extremely intelligent, sociable and among the most effective predators in the world.
They require space, and lots of it. But as the human population expands, buildings, roads and farms are taking over and leaving barely enough room for African wild dogs to survive. Now, fewer than 1,500 mature adults are left.
Please help protect African wild dogs and give them a stronghold where they can wander in peace.
Why are African wild dogs threatened?
African wild dogs require vast territories to survive – much larger than most carnivore species – and therefore are struggling to cope with the rapid human encroachment throughout their range.
The increased exposure to human contact poses numerous threats to the survival of these clever canines.
African wild dogs are susceptible to most of the same diseases as domestic dogs, and contact with human settlements exposes them to these infectious diseases.
This has recently led to major population crashes in several locations – rabies in particular has been a major driver of recent local wild dog extinction events.
Besides disease transmission, other threats to wild dogs brought about by human expansion are road collisions – wild dogs often have to cross high-speed roads, especially where they cut through dense wildlife areas – and retaliation from farmers if wild dogs attack domestic livestock.
What is Fauna & Flora doing to save African wild dogs?
Fauna & Flora is supporting wild dog conservation in several countries across their range, including Kenya, Mozambique and South Sudan. Its conservation efforts are focused on reducing human-wildlife conflict and reducing the incidence of disease.
For example, domestic livestock killed by wild dogs is purchased at a fair price to deter farmers from shooting dogs, warning signs are being put up on roadsides, and rabies vaccines are being distributed to communities nearest to wild dog habitats.
But there is still much to be done to save African wild dogs.
We need to continue our efforts to reduce disease transmission by providing more communities with vaccinations for their domestic dogs. We need to provide safe corridors to allow African wild dogs the space they need to survive, without coming into contact with human settlements.
Your support could help us put these crucial measures in place to protect wild dogs.
How can my donation help save African wild dogs?
The ongoing threat of disease outbreaks means that African wild dog populations are extremely fragile – one outbreak could completely wipe out a local population.
The good news is that wild dog populations can rebound quickly, especially with access to larger areas to roam.
Your support could help us open up wildlife corridors to connect wild dogs with nearby protected areas, minimising their contact with humans and reducing their need to cross hazardous roads.
Your gift could also help employ vets to work in protected areas and purchase essential veterinary equipment to help wild dogs recover from diseases.
£57
could pay for rabies vaccines to reduce transmission of the disease from domestic dogs.
£28
could help put up signs on roads raising awareness of the presence of wild dogs.
£10
could help install a fence to prevent wild dogs from entering community land and preying on livestock.
Why Fauna & Flora?
Fauna & Flora has an extremely well-established programme of projects across Africa, with some of the most effective conservationists in the field on our side.
We were instrumental in the establishment of Chuilexi Conservancy in Mozambique, which today is one of the most important refuges for wild dogs on the entire continent.
In 2011, we were one of the first organisations to kickstart conservation in the newly declared republic of South Sudan, which is now recognised as having the potential to be a key stronghold for the recovery of wild dog populations.
We know what needs to be done, but we need your help to do it. So please donate now, and support our efforts to save wild dogs.
African wild dogs on a road. © Mark Hunter / Adobe Stock
African wild dog packs often use roads to rest on or travel along, leading to numerous fatalities. Fauna & Flora is helping to open up wildlife corridors so these wild dogs can travel around safely.