Painted dogs used to range across Africa. There were once 500,000 dogs in 39 countries, but now only 7,000 dogs are thought to remain, with about 700 left in Zimbabwe where Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) operates.
Socio-economic challenges in Zimbabwe and poor land management practices create a situation for illegal hunting practices (poaching) to flourish. Poachers set wire snares to catch antelope for the bushmeat trade, and painted dogs are accidentally killed in these deadly traps. So, in addition to working on direct threats like snaring, PDC works closely with local people to provide income from other sources and to develop in local people an appreciation for the dogs and the value of conservation.
Protect Painted Dogs
With WCN’s 100% model, your entire gift supports the conservationists working to protect painted dogs in Zimbabwe.
Painted Dogs:
Painted Dog Conservation (PDC)
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235
Dogs Protected
PDC monitors and protects a total of 235 painted dogs throughout Zimbabwe.
13,000
Square Miles
Protected through PDC’s Anti-Poaching Units.
810
School Children
Reached through PDC’s Children’s Bush Camps. In total they hosted 25 camps throughout 2025.
Solutions in Action
Thriving Wildlife
Combating Wildlife Crimes
PDC’s anti-poaching units have been on patrol since 2001 and have collected over 35,000 snares, saving the lives of thousands of animals. They also continue to work closely with the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority and local law enforcement to run patrols and monitor illegal activity in accordance with the law.
Thriving People
Expanding Education
Every year, PDC hosts students at their Iganyana Children’s Bush Camp, where kids get to see painted dogs up close and personal. PDC also visits school children and adults to discuss challenges related to water conservation, environmental degradation, and farming practices. PDC is immensely proud of its education programs, directly helping local children, communities, and painted dogs peacefully coexist.
Thriving People
Boosting Local Economies
Zimbabwe’s economy has been struggling, and this has increased illegal hunting of wildlife to sell for profit. To combat this, PDC employs scouts, both male and female, in their Anti-Poaching Unit, acting as one of the largest employers in their local community. These highly trained scouts help patrol areas bordering Hwange National Park daily, earning an income to protect wildlife.
Quote"Like a spiderweb, our strength lies in collaboration – practitioners, funders, and government institutions uniting to safeguard our natural heritage, our painted dogs."
David Kuvawoga, Director of Operations Painted Dog Conservation (PDC)
