Tanzania Wild Dog Project

Wild dog packs have vast territories and pack range can cover 1448km. In the Serengeti, more than half of the wild dog pack territories range outside of the national park. As a result, there is inevitable human wild-dog conflict. Livestock herders poison wild dogs in retaliation for wild dogs killing their livestock.

The Serengeti Wild Dog Conservation Project, run by the Tanzanian Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI)  is working to mitigate this human-wild dog conflict and ensure the future health of wild dog populations in the Serengeti National Park, Loliondo Game Controlled Area, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and surrounding areas.

They use GPS tracking collars to track the dogs’ movements, and they employ guardians in the communities who receive the GPS locations of the dogs. The guardians then let their communities know where the dogs are so they can avoid them. In addition to this, the local Tanzanian research team maps current human wild dog conflict areas and runs community awareness programmes in schools and villages. These help communities to realise the value of wild dogs and learn about better livestock keeping techniques to reduce the potential for conflict. These programmes have reduced human-wildlife conflict and benefitted both the communities and the conservation of wild dogs.

Research under this project includes studies on the wild dog populations’ genetics, competition patterns with other large carnivores and survival mechanisms. They also do wild dog health assessments, all of which help to ensure the future health of these wild dog populations.

There are only approximately 6600 wild dogs left in the wild, so projects like this one are essential to secure the future this endangered species and the areas they inhabit.

Your safaris with us are contributing to the continuation of this local initiative which benefits communities and the conservation of wild dogs. 

If you would like to do more to support their work you can donate to them through our foundation.

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100% of your donation will go to the project you choose and your donation to our registered 501(c)(3) organisation is tax-deductible as provided for by law.

Please contact us if you have any questions.