Great news! Shearwater Adventures and Rani Africa are delighted to announce that the Ukusuta Pack has succeeded in hunting for itself during its first weeks back in the bush. The six rehabilitated Painted Dogs, led by older brother Sithule, have already killed an Impala and a Waterbuck and, just this week, they brought down a Kudu on the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. So far all carcasses have been retained by the Dogs with no threat from Lions in the area.
There are only between 3,000 and 5,000 African Wild Dogs left.
The fragile family’s ability to hunt was the first big hurdle to achieving self-sufficiency and increases the hope that they can be relocated to either Hwange or Mana Pools National Park as a viable pack. They are regularly ‘spotted’ on Shearwater Game Drives within the private, big five conservancy.
It is estimated that only about 3000 – 5000 of this endangered species remain on the continent, with the Zimbabwean population being one of the last strongholds.
Much of their decline has been farmers who fear that the dogs will prey on their livestock, despite this being a seldom event. This persecution, on top of habitat loss, has almost wiped out the species. Lions and Hyena’s are also contributing factors to the decline in Wild Dog numbers.
To learn more about the Ukusuta Pack and the incredible work conducted by the Hwange-based Painted Dog Conservation visit www.painteddog.org
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