Protecting Painted Dogs

Every painted dog pup that survives its first weeks represents hope for one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores. This year, that hope centred on the Umkhonto pack in Zimbabwe, where our conservation partners and local communities came together to protect a vulnerable den in an area facing intense poaching pressure.

For painted dogs, denning season is both a time of promise and a time of risk. Adults must remain close to their pups, limiting their movements and leaving them particularly vulnerable to snares and other threats. When the Umkhonto pack chose to den in a high-risk area, our conservation partners responded quickly, coordinating a large scale effort to protect both the den and the surrounding habitat.

More than 70 scouts were deployed to safeguard the area, helping to create a protective buffer around the pack. At the same time, intensive anti-poaching operations removed more than 3,500 snares, while seven poachers were arrested. Most importantly, eight healthy pups safely emerged from the den: a powerful reminder of what timely, targeted conservation action can achieve.

For supporters like you, those eight pups represent far more than a number. They are the future of a species that remains under pressure across much of its range. Every pup that survives helps strengthen the long-term prospects of painted dogs in Zimbabwe.

Protecting painted dogs across the Hwange landscape

The success of the Umkhonto pack reflects the strength of a much wider conservation programme operating across approximately 21,000 km² of the Hwange ecosystem.

Over the past year, anti-poaching teams supported by our conservation partners completed 2,779 patrol days, spending more than 17,000 hours in the field and covering 39,226 kilometres. During these patrols, rangers removed more than 4,700 snares and helped secure 15 poacher arrests and 15 successful convictions. One convicted offender received two nine-year prison sentences, highlighting the growing impact of enforcement efforts.

These combined conservation measures are helping painted dogs recover. The local population is now estimated at between 210 and 230 animals, compared with fewer than 100 individuals when long-term conservation efforts first began. Six packs were actively monitored during the reporting period, while 12 collared animals provided valuable information that helped teams focus protection where it was needed most.

Inspiring future conservationists

Protecting painted dogs is not only about keeping animals safe today. It is also about creating a future in which wildlife and people can thrive together.

During the year, 810 children took part in educational programmes, while a further 990 children participated in Conservation Clubs. These experiences help young people develop a deeper understanding of wildlife and the ecosystems around them. Students attending Bush Camp demonstrated a 21% improvement in conservation knowledge, showing that education is playing a meaningful role in shaping attitudes towards wildlife protection.

Looking ahead

The story of the Umkhonto pack shows that conservation success is often built on hundreds of small actions: a snare removed, a patrol completed, a lesson learned and a community member choosing to support wildlife.

Because of your generous support through GlobalGiving, vulnerable painted dog packs are being protected, precious pups are growing more safely, and this endangered species has greater hope for the future. Thank you for making this vital work possible.