Painted Dog Conservation

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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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.