Support for African wild dogs in the Waterberg
The Waterberg is home to one of the last free-roaming packs of African wild dogs in South Africa.
As a globally endangered species, with fewer than 650 remaining in South Africa, the conservation of this pack is of utmost importance.
The Waterberg Wild Dog Initiative (WWDI) is a community-based, non-profit initiative promoting the understanding and conservation of these wild dogs living in the Waterberg, Limpopo.
As a free-roaming population, the Waterberg wild dogs come into conflict with the private game and livestock farms when they are suspected to predate financially valuable stock species. To reduce the threat of persecution, the WWDI works one-on-one with community members to monitor the wild dog population, mitigate conflict where possible, gather accurate information, raise awareness, provide education and boost the dogs’ eco-tourism potential. Through its efforts, the WWDI is seeking to reduce threats to the Waterberg wild dog population and foster a sustainably safe environment.
Recently, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has shown its support for the WWDI and its efforts to conserve the Waterberg wild dogs by donating a branded Toyota Hilux DC 4×4 vehicle with additional operational funding.
Reilly Mooney, the WWDI project coordinator, explained the significance of this donation.
“The Waterberg is a very mountainous area and such a dependable and capable vehicle will enable the WWDI to play a more active role in helping both the community and the wild dogs. We will be able to monitor the wild dogs in their habitat and meet with community members on a regular basis,” she said.
“This free-roaming pack moves around from public and private game farms to nature reserves and agricultural lands within the Waterberg. Therefore it is crucial to mitigate the human-wildlife conflict in a way that promotes co-existence between local landowners, farmers, and the wild dogs,” she explained.
Interested parties who would like to contribute towards the conservation of South Africa’s most endangered large carnivore may contact Mooney on tel. 073 791 6249 or visit their website, waterbergwilddogs.org.za, or the Facebook page Waterberg Wild Dogs.
