Keep an eye out for resident wild dogs
The largest, and one of the last, free-roaming African wild dog packs outside of formally protected areas in the country calls the Waterberg area home.
This group of painted dogs, as they are affectionately known, migrate between private properties in the area and few fences keep them in. The Waterberg Wild Dog Initiative (WWDI) aims to ensure the survival of these dogs and works with cattle and game farmers in the area to promote co-existence.
Wild dogs are some of Africa’s most endangered wildlife species and the second most endangered carnivore. A fragmented habitat is cited as the main reason for their decline in numbers.
Some of the dogs in the pack are fitted with GPS collars to keep track of their movements. According to Reilly Mooney of the WWDI, community members receive regular updates on the pack’s movements, allowing them to proactively mitigate conflict on private farms. This also provides opportunities to view the pack while they are in the area.
The fitment of GPS collars is an important step to improving understanding of the population and using the information to promote co-existence in the region.
According to the WWDI conservation relies on successful collaboration and partnerships, particularly in a system like the Waterberg where packs are moving through different private properties.
Travelers on the R33 between Vaalwater and Lephalale have been warned to be on the lookout for the pack about 30 km before Lephalale, as they are denning in the area. Drivers are requested to slow down, especially during the early mornings and late afternoons when the dogs are most active. The pack has bred successfully in the area for the past three years.
Travelers are advised to not disturb them. As they are curious animals, they may tend to hang around the busy road to watch what you are doing.
From Monday 5 June the 2023 Waterberg Wild Dog Ecotourism Project, provides a rare opportunity to view the free-roaming wild dog pack in their natural environment, safely away from the busy road. Guests can expect to take a guided, informative game drive in an open vehicle to an area near the wild dogs’ den site, where the pack will be provided with a fresh game carcass to supplement their diet, limit their predation on the private properties, and allow for excellent photographic opportunities. During the viewing, guests will have the opportunity to learn about African wild dog behaviors, the history of the pack, and the WWDI’s efforts to conserve them.
For more about the Waterberg wild dogs, WhatsApp Mooney on tel. 073 791 6249 or visit www.waterbergwilddogs.org.za.
