The future of Africa’s most endangered carnivore might not be as dire as we thought. Jaci’s Lodge, situated in Madikwe Game Reserve in the Northern Province, recently announced the birth of 20 wild dog puppies.
According to a report on News24, the lodge’s general manager, Beukes Geldenhuys, said “they are lovely and healthy”.
Madikwe Game Reserve has become well known for their wild dog reintroduction programme which they launched in 1995. There are currently two African wild dog packs at Madikwe. The birth of this litter is therefore an incredible achievement and a great reason to celebrate the ongoing conservation efforts of these animals in their natural habitat.
Geldenhuys was quoted in Tourism Update saying “the birth of these pups is testament to the fact that Madikwe’s population is thriving”.
Because of human persecution, there are less than 450 wild dogs, or painted dogs, left in South Africa. Snaring of wild dogs is one of the most brutal methods of killing, and unfortunately this happens much too often in our wildernesses.
For more information on Madikwe Game Reserve’s dedication to the African wild dog, visit the Wild Dogs in Madikwe page on their website.
For more ways to contribute to the conservation of wild dogs have a look at the work that Wildlife ACT is doing to conserve these incredible creatures.
*Photo courtesy of Wildlife ACT.
