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.

Conservation Solutions

Tackling Wildlife Crime

Scientific Research

Expanding Education

Empowering Women

Boosting Local Economies

Guiding Policy

Promoting Health

Honoring Culture

Anti-Poaching Units

PDC’s anti-poaching units have been on patrol since 2001 and have collected over 35,000 snares, saving the lives of thousands of animals. They also continue to work closely with the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority and local law enforcement to run patrols and monitor illegal activity in accordance with the law.

Pack Monitoring

PDC monitors painted dogs using radio collars to track their behavior, identify any causes of injury or death, and keep a close eye on vulnerable packs. They also take samples of blood, feces, and tissue for DNA analysis and to screen for infectious diseases or parasites, and use the results to develop future management plans. This data is compiled into a digital identity register for all painted dogs to better manage conservation efforts.

Children's Bush Camps

Every year, PDC hosts students at their Iganyana Children’s Bush Camp, where kids get to see painted dogs up close and personal. PDC also visits school children and adults to discuss challenges related to water conservation, environmental degradation, and farming practices. PDC is immensely proud of their education programs, directly helping local children, communities, and painted dogs peacefully coexist.

Women's Groups

Gender equality and female empowerment is important to PDC. They work to support, develop, and promote local women’s groups based around sustainable natural resource use and management, and offer ways to empower women through garden projects and income derived from sales.

Anti-Poaching Scouts

Zimbabwe’s economy has been struggling and this has increased illegal hunting of wildlife to sell for profit. To combat this, PDC employs scouts, both male and female, in their Anti-Poaching Unit, acting as one of the largest employers in their local community. These highly trained scouts help patrol areas bordering Hwange National Park on a daily basis, earning an income to protect wildlife.

Sentences for Poaching

PDC partners with advocacy organizations, like Speak Out for Animals, to improve legislation related to wildlife crime, increase the level of legal protection against the killing of painted dogs, and provide legal awareness workshops for Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority rangers.

Rehab Facility & Vaccines

PDC’s Rehabilitation Facility hosts a veterinary clinic to allow PDC to house and care for injured, sick, or orphaned painted dogs with minimal handling until they recover enough to rejoin their families in the wild. Using the Rehabilitation Facility, PDC keeps painted dog numbers up, ensures the safety of threatened packs, and educates the public to improve the perception of the painted dogs.

Iganyana Art Centre

PDC’s Iganyana Art Centre houses crafts, materials, equipment, training, and facilities for youth and adult art projects. The primary goal of the center is to bring financial benefit to local artists, but also to encourage conservation through the sustainable use of natural resources in product design, with artists even transforming snare wire traps into sculptures.

Tackling Wildlife Crime

Iganyana Art Centre

Impact by the Numbers

700

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

896

anti-poaching patrols performed by PDC in 2020 despite the pandemic

5,400

snares removed by PDC as poaching escalated in Zimbabwe during 2020

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.

David Kuvawoga Talks Painted Dogs at Expo

David Kuvawoga 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.