PAINTED DOG CONSERVATION

Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of African painted dogs, also known as African wild dogs or Lycaon pictus. They work tirelessly to safeguard these endangered animals and their habitats, aiming to ensure their long-term survival.

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The biggest threats to painted dogs come from humans. The painted dogs are injured and killed in snares, road kills and expanding human settlement reduces suitable habitat for them and their prey.  They are also susceptible to diseases such as rabies and distemper from domestic dogs.

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Painted dogs don’t have the best reputation in Africa— through no fault of their own. Human ignorance and misinformation is perhaps one of the biggest issues facing the painted dog population. Local landowners believe them to be dangerous, numerous, wanton and indiscriminate pack hunters, and thus best removed from their land. Their education and conservation programmes aim to tackle these issues, and bring painted dogs back from the brink of extinction.

“A disease can permeate an entire group through just one dog, and wipe out a whole pack. Identifying and containing disease is an integral part of our work.” — PETER BLINSTON

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Painted dogs used to roam across 39 countries, and number in the hundreds of thousands. Now, there are fewer than 7,000 painted dogs left, living across 14 countries. They’re classified as threatened on the IUCN’s Red List, and need our help if they’re to escape extinction.

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With the support of our clients through booking safaris with us, Conservation Safari Company has donated $1000.00 to PDC in support of their work, please read more below.

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Who They Are: Painted Dog Conservation is a passionate and committed organization that focuses on the preservation of African painted dogs, one of Africa's most endangered carnivores. Their mission is to protect these remarkable creatures, educate the public about their importance, and promote coexistence between humans and painted dogs.

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How They Started: The organization was founded by Dr. Greg Rasmussen, a renowned expert on African painted dogs. Dr. Rasmussen's deep fascination with these animals and concern for their dwindling populations led him to establish PDC in 1992. Since then, the organization has grown and expanded its efforts to protect painted dogs. Currently led by Peter Blinstone and managed by Kuvawoga.

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How They Go About Saving Wild Dogs: Painted Dog Conservation employs a multi-faceted approach to save African painted dogs and monitor more than 6 packs of painted dogs on a daily basis across Hwange National Park and 4 packs in Mana Pools and the Mid-Zambezi. They combine on-the-ground conservation efforts, including anti-poaching patrols and habitat preservation, with education and community engagement. By addressing both the immediate threats to painted dogs and the long-term challenges they face, PDC strives to create a sustainable future for these beautiful and endangered creatures. They recognize that the key to success lies in collaboration with local communities, stakeholders, and the global community to protect these unique carnivores and their natural environment. 

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Their Programs: Painted Dog Conservation operates a range of programs to address the various challenges faced by African painted dogs:

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1. Anti-Poaching: PDC conducts anti-poaching patrols and collaborates with local communities to combat illegal activities that threaten painted dogs. They work to reduce snaring and other forms of human-induced harm to these animals.

2. Education and Outreach: The organization is dedicated to raising awareness about painted dogs among local communities and the global public. They engage in educational initiatives, including school programs and public events, to foster a greater understanding of the species.

3. Research: PDC conducts vital research on painted dogs to better understand their behavior, ecology, and health. This knowledge informs conservation strategies and contributes to the overall protection of the species.

4. Community Engagement: Building positive relationships with local communities is a fundamental aspect of PDC's work. They collaborate with people living near painted dog habitats to promote coexistence and address human-wildlife conflict.

5. Habitat Protection: PDC is actively involved in conserving the natural habitats of painted dogs. They work to secure protected areas and ensure these dogs have the space they need to thrive.

In summary, Painted Dog Conservation is a dedicated organization that was founded out of concern for the endangered African painted dogs. Through a combination of anti-poaching efforts, education, research, community engagement, and habitat protection, they are working tirelessly to save these remarkable animals from extinction and ensure their continued existence in the wild.

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For more information, please view their website here https://www.painteddog.org/