By Jayne Horswill | David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
Thanks to your help, the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) is able to support the protection of painted dogs in Zimbabwe.
A much-overlooked species, painted dogs are one of the most persecuted animals in their habitats. Their existence isn't globally known, let alone the threats they face as one of our planet's most highly endangered hunters.
Specifically, DSWF supports Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) in Zimbabwe, working to protect these fascinating creatures and educate local communities about their plight.
Back in July, we reported that a pack of eight pups and two adults was rescued and taken into PDC's rehabilitation facility.
We're now delighted to report that the pack has been successfully released back into the wild, where they belong.
In December, when the family was deemed ready for release, the dogs were safely caught, anaesthetised by a specialist vet, and the adults were fitted with tracking collars.
All ten dogs were transported in a trailer for release safely inside the protected area of Hwange National Park, far away from the communal land where they were originally found.
Peter Blinston, PDC's Executive Director, said: "We released the painted dogs at the Jambili pan. We believe this place has reasonable prey base and will help fast-track the adaptation of the pack to their life back in the wild."
Painted dogs have a large home range and it's very likely that they will move on from the release site to establish their own territories. The tracking collars fitted on the adult dogs will allow the PDC team to follow the pack's progress.
DSWF funds PDC’s work with communities in Zimbabwe to conserve the species in one of its last strongholds. DSWF funds vital anti-poaching work and education programmes to encourage tolerance for the dogs from local communities and land owners.
Look out for our future updates on how YOUR donations are helping to save this endangered species.
Click here to find out more about our work protecting painted dogs.
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