Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT)

Fighting for the African Wild Dog’s future

Investec supports the EWT’s Carnivore Conservation Programme’s work with endangered African Wild Dogs.

Investec has supported EWT's Carnivore Conservation Programme since 2013, funding the research and monitoring of the wild dog populations in the Kruger National Park (KNP). Wild dog is South Africa's most endangered carnivore and the population in the KNP is the largest and most viable in the whole of South Africa, numbering 250 dogs in 22 packs. Therefore, the conservation of this population is critical. The current focus on the project is to empower key communities on the western boundary of the KNP to promote safe, sustainable and practical solutions for the co-existence of wild dogs and humans living in the communities in this area of the park.  

< 400

Estimated number of wild dogs left in South Africa

> R1 million

Amount we have invested since inception in 2013

46%

Growth in the wild dog population in KNP since 2012

Why the wild dog?

The project

About EWT

Why the wild dog?

Our interest in the wild dog is two-fold.

Firstly: the wild dog is South Africa’s most endangered carnivore and the second most endangered in Africa after the Ethiopian wolf. The current population of wild dogs in South Africa is estimated at less than 400. Often seen as a pest and threat to be eliminated, the plight of the wild dog has received scant public attention. We recognise that there is urgent need to support efforts to safeguard the future of this unique animal and we are pleased to be part of it.

 

Secondly: the wild dog embodies characteristics that Investec espouses - it is a distinctive, tenacious and collegial animal. Due to unique patterns on their coats, every wild dog is an individual. Yet together they form formidable packs of expert hunters with a legendary teamwork ethic. It is said that close to every wild dog hunt is successful.

The project

About the project

In order for this reintroduction to have the best possible chance of success the following factors need to be considered: (1) the demographic and genetic viability of the pack to be translocated; (2) the process of translocating and introducing the pack; and (3) effective post release monitoring. We will implement the project using best practices, guided by several years of experience and best available scientific knowledge.

Benefits of this project include:

  1. An opportunity for understanding the drivers of Wild Dog population dynamics in northern KNP. This was an important objective of the long-term Investec funded EWT project that ended in 2015 and could not be addressed due to the absence of Wild Dogs from vast areas of the northern region of Kruger.
  2. An opportunity to assess the feasibility of repopulating former Wild Dog range.
  3. The EWT currently has an existing project in KNP and most of the logistics are in place.

About EWT

About the Endangered Wildlife Trust

As a leading conservation organisation in South Africa, the EWT fills the key niche of conservation action through applied field-work, research and direct engagement with stakeholders. With specialist programmes and a large team of skilled field staff deployed throughout Southern Africa, the EWT’s work supports the conservation of threatened species and ecosystems. Through a broad spectrum of partnerships and networks, the EWT responds to the key threats driving species and ecosystem loss by developing innovative methodologies and best practice guidelines which support reduced impact, harmonious co-existence and sustainable living for all.

 

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