Author: Cole du Plessis, Endangered Wildlife Trust
African Wild Dogs (Lycaon pictus) have disappeared from 25 of the 39 countries that they once roamed. With only 700 estimated breeding pairs remaining, they are Africa’s second most endangered carnivore.
While human-induced threats such as snaring, human-wildlife conflict and disease are impacting remaining populations, it’s a lack of safe space for populations to thrive that has ultimately taken the heaviest toll on the species.
Over the past 22 years, the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Carnivore Range Expansion Projects has found success in developing a conservation network, establishing a managed metapopulation approach, and augmenting populations through reintroductions and monitoring. This has led to a dramatic increase Wild Dog number, their range in Africa and genetic diversity in our managed wild populations.
The Wild Dog reintroduction into Tswalu Game Reserve is one of those key success stories. In the past few years, the Tswalu Wild Dog population has done very well. With issues concerning the packs stability (given how old the adults are), and many pups born in 2024, we had a two-fold mission to execute: (1) strengthen the population resilience in Tswalu and (2) remove sub-adults from the system to reduce pressure on the low prey populations.
On 08 October, the EWT, in collaboration with the Bateleurs flew female Wild Dogs to Tswalu, where they were bonded with Tswalu males born in 2023. This new pack is still bonding, and we look forward to their release as a new, strong pack on Tswalu.
On 11 October, we then flew five female Wild Dogs to our holding facility in Welgevonden Game Reserve. These females have settled into their temporary home, and we still await homing options for them,
We would like to give big thanks to the Bateleurs as proud partners, Mercy Air for offering their plane and fantastic pilot, David Schumacher, Jill Warnick, and EWT donor, for covering the costs of the two-way flight.
Author: David Schumacher, Bateleurs and Mercy Air pilot
In a recent conservation mission, two female wild dogs were successfully flown from Welgevonden Game Reserve (FAWE) to Tswalu (FATW) to help form a new pack. These females will join three local male dogs, and their journey marks an exciting chapter in the effort to boost the local population of this endangered species.
After the arrival, the males were moved from their previous pack into a nearby holding facility, adjacent to the females, to initiate the bonding process. Early signs were highly encouraging: both sides of the fence showed curiosity, a promising first step in establishing a strong pack dynamic.
In addition, our team had valuable discussions with Tswalu's local Conservation Team, aligning our efforts for long-term wild dog preservation. To ensure the stability of the new pack, plans are underway to locate and sterilize an old alpha male. This precautionary step will prevent unintended competition during the next mating season, safeguarding the pack's future even if the senior male eventually passes on.
As part of the mission, five other females were safely transported back to Welgevonden, completing a round trip that exemplifies our dedication to the safety and sustainability of these incredible animals.