Greg
Rasmussen
Painted Hunting Dog Research Project (PHDRP), Hwange, Zimbabwe
Painted Hunting Dogs also known as Wild Dogs are facing extinction with
there probably being no more than 3000 left on the continent. There
are in fact less dogs left in Africa than rhino which is a sobering
thought to say the least. There are only four countries left in Africa
recognised as having stronghold populations namely Zimbabwe, Tanzania,
Botswana and South Africa, making research on the species here a priority.
The PHDRP, though based in Hwange, is collecting data for the whole
of Zimbabwe on the National Painted Hunting Dog pack and is a conservation
orientated project linking field research and education. This project
is now a country wide project approved by the Department of National
Parks and Wildlife Management.
Research
On the field research side of the project, particular attention is given
to monitoring those packs that are most vulnerable and where possible
taking action to reduce mortalities attributable to anthropogenic causes
such as cars, snares and shooting by ranchers. This entails being in
the field and living in the vehicle for weeks at a time whilst we follow
packs and collect data such as : disease (from blood, skin and faecal
samples), hunting success, daily movements, predator/prey interactions.
Also being built up is an identity file on each individual dog in Zimbabwe,
a mammoth but worthwhile task.
The PHDRP also works
in conjunction with other Zimbabwean research institutions notably the
Veterinary Research Laboratories in Harare (collaborating on disease
data), as well as the Natural History Museum in Bulawayo. Problems for
dog populations are identified and solutions are formulated based on
the work done in the field research. For example the 'Slow Down - Dog
Crossing' road signs which have been erected by this project to help
decrease the senseless death of Painted Dogs caused by careless and
speeding drivers. The Project had established the 'black-spots' where
signs should be placed. The anti-snare collars which have already saved
the life of one dog; and retroreflective coloured collars which are
picked up by car headlights were designed and made by the Project.
Education
Integrated into the research/conservation programme is education at
all levels. Children's awareness is of primary concern and covers all
aspects of Painted Hunting Dogs with the accent on the importance of
the species as well as its possible extinction. This is done with slide
shows and talks at schools all over the country, visits to Conservation
Clubs, radio and television. As well as these face-to-face promotions
this project has produced a Children's Booklet. This booklet which will
be printed by a variety of Sponsors is given free to all schools Zimbabwe-wide.
To increase adult
awareness of the plight of the Painted Hunted Dogs talks, together with
slide shows are held frequently in towns and ranching areas around Zimbabwe
and are supplemented with articles in newspapers and magazines as well
as regular interviews on various radio stations in Harare and Bulawayo.
This awareness campaign has not only however been confined to Zimbabwe,
but has also resulted in four hour long documentary being produced forinternational
television.
Useful links:
PHDRP
home page
