KAWDCP

The clock is ticking and time is running out for the African Wild Dog! With already dwindling numbers, and rapidly decreasing, AWDs need all the help they can get!!!!

African wild dogs are Namibia’s most endangered large carnivore, listed as critically endangered in Namibia, with less than 350 individuals remaining throughout the country. Namibia’s AWD population is one of the very few free-roaming populations remaining in Africa, unrestricted to fragmented wildlife reserves like other African populations, however, the population the project works with reside on farmland and are unprotected.

Data as far back as the 1920s there were indications that AWDs were widespread in Namibia, however by 1990 the species had diminished and restricted only to the north and northeast of the country. The species is now extinct throughout the rest of Namibia.

Unfortunately, AWD conservation has been seriously neglected, especially the free-roaming populations outside of National Parks (NPs) and Protected Areas (PAs).

The focal area of KAWDCP is within the eastern Omaheke and Otjozondupa Regions, comprising free-hold farms (a combination of game and livestock farming), resettled farms (occupied by previously displaced Namibians), and traditional communal conservancies.

Records indicate that yearly fatal persecution of AWDs within this area is significantly higher than packs residing in the Zambezi Region. The use of poison, trapping, den destruction and shooting are the main methods used. Multiple records show that whole packs are being destroyed in one incident. With the high natural mortality of AWD pups, with only a portion of a litter reaching their dispersal age, the additional challenges such as larger predator conflict, road mortalities and persecution only lead to a grimmer outlook for the species survival. Statistics indicate that the alpha animals and adults from natal packs are killed when dens are targeted, wiping out valuable generational survival skills whilst leaving packs disorientated and in a state of disintegration. Alternatively, it is the inexperienced young dispersal animals that are killed. They play a vital role in the survival of the species bringing critical genetic diversity to other populations within the KAZA area and surrounding populations.

The KAWDCP is building on and supplementing pre-existing research and conservation, in the area, adopting a holistic approach to all conflict-causing wildlife species. The project’s goals are to identify potential solutions through research, evidence-based conservation practices, community engagement and advocacy, monitoring, collaboration and human-wildlife conflict mitigations to gain a better understanding of AWD ecology outside of NPs & PAs and the threats facing them. The reality of Africa without its endemic African Wild Dog is something we are nearing daily if we don’t take action before it is too late.

This fundraiser is dedicated to preventing that daunting possibility.

The Kalahari African Wild Dog Conservation Project (KAWDCP) is a small grassroots field-based organization, operating onsite in remote and harsh conditions directly with the communities living with wildlife and is the only organization in Namibia dedicated to African Wild dogs, taking on the daunting mission of AWD conservation throughout Namibia in hopes of not only preserving the devastatingly low current population but also ensuring sustainable free-ranging African wild dog populations are viable for future generations. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure the survival of this unique species.

Your support aids us in continuing a powerful momentum towards reducing the risk of localized extinction for Namibia’s free roaming AWD populations! In order to continue with our efforts, community support not only within the farming community but also abroad makes our mission possible. As we are currently operating solely on a volunteer basis, support for expenses such as fuel, supplies, food for the team while out in the field, rangers in place to guard AWD dens, and running costs are greatly needed.

Additionally, the immense benefit of monitoring packs through GPS collars and camera trap surveys is truly invaluable to our organization. As GPS collars are battery operated, they naturally have a limited lifespan before transmission ends. This means maintenance will be required by July 2024 to ensure the sustained monitoring of these packs and maintain early warning systems for farmers. It is our aim to collar more individuals to increase monitoring of more local packs for the protection of wildlife, livestock, and humans alike.

There is still a lot of work to be done. As a small, newly established organization, we greatly rely on the support and generosity of our community through fundraisers and donations. Though small in numbers, KAWDCP certainly is not lacking in drive, dedication, and perseverance. Continued support will allow the potential this mission has to come full circle, securing a safe tomorrow for the AWDs of today.

Please follow our story by liking our Facebook or Instagram