African Painted Dogs–Wildlife Conservation Network

African wild dogs used to range across Africa.

There were once 500,000 dogs in 39 countries, but now only 7,000 dogs are thought to remain, with about 700 left in Zimbabwe where Painted Dog Conservation operates.

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Zimbabwe is one of the last strongholds for painted dogs.

African wild dogs are incredibly social creatures. Also known as painted dogs, they live in carefully organized packs in which each dog has a specified job, from hunter to pup babysitter. The dogs rely on each other and are one of the only wild species to care for their sick and old.

African wild dogs used to range across Africa, with 500,000 dogs in 39 countries. Impacted by poaching, road kills, and mining and logging that destroy habitat, now only 7,000 dogs are thought to remain. Zimbabwe, where Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) is headquartered, is one of the last strongholds.

Socio economic challenges in Zimbabwe and poor land management practices create a situation for illegal hunting practices (poaching) to flourish. Poachers set wire snares to catch antelope for the bushmeat trade, and painted dogs are accidentally killed in these deadly traps. So, In addition to working on direct threats like snaring, Painted Dog Conservation works closely with local people to provide income from other sources and to develop in local people an appreciation for the dogs and the value of conservation.

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Watch Extra Footage from BBC's Dynasties

While filming Dynasties:Painted Wolf, BBC film crews capture the process of darting and collaring painted dogs. Learn more about the research used to track painted dogs and hear Peter Blinston explain how PDC uses this information to protect the species.

The sole purpose of our existence is to create an environment where the dogs can thrive.

Peter Blinston

Peter Blinston, Managing Director

Peter Blinston fell in love with African wild dogs while watching documentaries in his native England. He volunteered for Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) from home in England for two years and then initially moved to Zimbabwe as an unpaid six-month volunteer. He has now been there for twelve years and serves as Managing Director. Peter has helped translate the initial vision for PDC into effective programs.

A Unique Conservation Approach

Anti-Poaching

PDC’s anti-poaching units remove illegal snares that are set for bushmeat but end up killing painted dogs. The anti-poaching units also provide jobs to local people–PDC is the largest employer in its immediate area, with more than 60 people earning an income through PDC’s work.

Monitoring & Rehabilitation

Monitoring radio-collared dogs allows PDC to identify problems the dogs face and to develop methods that keep packs and individual dogs healthy. For example, when PDC locate packs in known areas of poaching they immediately deploy the anti poaching units (APU) into those areas to clear any snares. PDC also cares for injured or orphaned dogs it finds at its rehabilitation center.

Outreach & Education

Bush Camp, an environmental education program for local sixth-graders, instills a love of nature and painted dogs. More than 9,000 children have attended Bush Camp. PDC also helps community members increase their incomes by training them how to farm sustainably and make sellable art from collected snare wire.

Anti-Poaching

PDC’s anti-poaching units remove illegal snares that are set for bushmeat but end up killing painted dogs. The anti-poaching units also provide jobs to local people–PDC is the largest employer...

Monitoring & Rehabilitation

Monitoring radio-collared dogs allows PDC to identify problems the dogs face and to develop methods that keep packs and individual dogs healthy. For example, when PDC locate packs in known...

Outreach & Education

Anti-Poaching

Monitoring & Rehabilitation

Outreach & Education

Impact by the Numbers

700

painted dogs in Zimbabwe, an increase of 300 since PDC began its work

2,462

snares removed in 2019

14,565

miles patrolled on foot in 2019

Where Your Money Goes

$60 will send a local child to PDC’s Bush Camp for four days.

$1,200 will feed the dogs in PDC’s rehabilitation facility for one year.

PDC protects painted dogs from threats like poaching snares.

"Zimbabwe is one of the few countries where painted dogs still have a fighting chance to survive" says Peter Blinston of Painted Dog Conservation (PDC). Watch this video and learn more about PDC's incredible work to save this endangered wild dog, protecting them from threats like poaching snares.

Peter Blinston Talks Painted Dogs at Expo

Peter Blinston shares how Painted Dog Conservation is protecting one of Africa’s most threatened carnivores, the painted dog, through community, education, and conservation programs in Zimbabwe.