After two days trekking through the Okavango area, you spot it. A flash of colour in the undergrowth. It’s the distinctive ‘painted’ coat of a pack of wild dogs. You’re now one of the few people on Earth to have seen these elusive and endangered hunters in the wild.
Inhabiting areas of true wilderness, the African wild dog is under threat from habitat loss, rival predators and disease. If you want to help save this beautiful endangered species, there couldn’t be a better time to get involved with African wild dog conservation.
The top reasons volunteers love these African wild dog conservation experiences.
Help protect the endangered wild dog
Conserve a species with fewer than 1,500 mature individuals in the wild.
Work with conservationists in the field
Participate in research that informs wild dog conservation strategies.
On-the-ground fieldwork
Monitor, study and record the behaviour of wild dogs in their natural habitat.
Explore remote ecosystems
Immerse yourself in wild landscapes, the last strongholds of the wild dog.
Support global goals
Join projects aligned with WWF, EWT and UN SDGs.
24/7 in-country support
You’re in Africa, so are we. And here whenever you need.
Volunteer stories
Sofia Koziol
Getting to see animals in the wild is incredible, but observing them while on foot and being face-to-face with them is just a completely different experience to being in a vehicle
My advice is to volunteer if you can! You never know how long these environments and wildlife will be around. By volunteering, you not only get to see them but you can also help with their conservation.
I felt safe at every project and made friendships with staff members and other volunteers that have lasted until this day. I would highly recommend volunteering through ACE at these projects!
I would recommend this volunteer experience to anyone who would be interested in giving back while having a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. ACE was so great!
I’ve seen so much, but I think the first moment of seeing that hyena on our second night, while eating in the camp, with it only being a few metres away from my tent, was really special.
For me, surprisingly, the most rewarding aspect of this whole experience were the quiet moments. After an exhausting day coming back to camp, sitting by the fire you yourself made, as the sun sets and the brightest stars you’ve ever laid eyes on becomes visible above your head.
Within two days we all became best of friends, and they will be my friends for the rest of my life. We will never lose contact. What we have to bear in mind is they’re all half my age. There are no age barriers or culture barriers, you’re just in a situation where you automatically bond.
For a full month at Okavango, I had the opportunity to assist in vital research, documenting species presence on the Kwatale conservancy. We had some truly special sightings while there.
An African wild dog in the Okavango, photographed by a volunteer
Conservation of African wild dogs
What's in a name?
Commonly referred to in South Africa as African wild dogs, there are over 10 other names to pick from, including Cape hunting dogs, African-painted dogs, and African-painted wolves. Despite the various names, African wild dogs are only distant relatives to both European and American wolves and domestic canines.
Their Latin name Lycaon pictus directly translates as painted wolf, a name that depicts the mottled white, brown, and black colouring that gives each animal its unique patterned coat. Their lean build, 'satellite dish' ears, and team-oriented approach to hunting make them incredible predators on Africa's plains and savannahs. They are opportunistic, meaning wild dogs hunt a wide variety of prey. Their diet is made up of mammals like antelopes, warthogs, wildebeest, calves, and rats, as well as birds and insects.
Habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict
African wild dogs are key to maintaining ecosystem balance through their role as one of Africa’s most successful hunters. They contribute to biodiversity by controlling prey populations and their movements. However, with numbers declining, African wild dog conservation has become increasingly important. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified African wild dogs as Endangered and the second-most endangered carnivores in Africa. This highlights the critical urgency of their protection and the need for wild dog conservation efforts.
So, how do we protect this species? Understanding the challenges they face is the first step. Even in protected areas with lots of food and water sources, the habitat may not be suitable for the pack as they could be competing with other large predators like lions. These larger predators also directly prey on wild dogs. And even though wild dogs are fast and determined hunters, they lack the strength to fend off these attacks.
In the face of such threats, they sometimes retreat to less favourable habitats. However, with their remarkable hunting success rate of approximately 60-90% and their ability to cover long distances, they’re able to raise their pups safely away from alpha predators.
Another threat comes from the coexistence of domestic and wild canines. Despite their distant relation to domestic dogs, African wild dogs are highly susceptible to the same diseases. Infection can spread rapidly within their family groups as they regurgitate food for their young. Implementing a vaccination programme for domestic dogs near territories of wild dogs can reduce disease transmission.
Habitat fragmentation also poses a significant threat, as wild dogs require large areas to thrive. Creating wildlife corridors that allow them to move between areas of land is a successful way to prevent population isolation and improve genetic diversity. Wildlife corridors can also be used to steer packs away from areas with livestock, reducing the risk of conflict with humans. Collaboration among governments, private landowners, and local communities is essential to creating and maintaining access to these corridors.
African wild dogs are tough, impressive animals, but these are just some examples of the threats they face from every angle. Without space and conservation efforts, the way that these animals live, breed, and hunt as a unit goes from being one of their greatest strengths to their biggest vulnerability.
7 quick facts about African wild dogs
1. Many mouths to feed
An alpha female typically has a litter of 10 to 12 pups, but sometimes it can be up to 21 pups! That's more than any other dog species!
2. What’s all that noise?
Special muscles allow the large rounded ears of African wild dogs to swivel, giving these predators incredible hearing.
3. Skilled hunters
These predators are the endurance champions of the savanna. They can cover huge distances at up to 44mph - that’s 70kph - the same speed as a greyhound!
4. Beautifully unique
Their distinct colourful, patchy coat is not only beautiful but also completely individual. Like a human fingerprint, it's a unique identifier for each animal.
5. All for one and one for all
When pregnant females or pups are in the den, the rest of the pack will return from a successful hunt to regurgitate meat to feed the mother and pups.
6. Collaboration is key
With one of the highest hunting success rates among large African carnivores, the pack’s dynamic teamwork is a great indicator of the intelligence of the African wild dog.
7. King and Queen
African wild dogs have a distinctive pack structure led by a dominant pair - an alpha male and female.
FAQs
Why do we need to save the African wild dog?
African wild dogs play a vital role in ecosystems as top predators that help control prey populations and prevent overgrazing. This balance supports plant life and biodiversity, making the conservation of African wild dogs crucial for healthy habitats. Through wild dog conservation efforts and painted dog conservation projects, volunteers can directly support ecosystems across Africa. African wild dog volunteer projects and broader conservation programs for endangered species are essential to save the African wild dog and ensure the future of these remarkable animals.
Where are the best places to work with African wild dogs?
We specialise in volunteering in southern Africa. Our African wild dog volunteer projects are based in South Africa and Botswana.
How do I volunteer with wild dogs?
You can volunteer on an African wild dog project with us by simply submitting an enquiry form. We offer African wild dog conservation projects for all experience levels and interests. You can find out more about how we take time to create a customised African Conservation Experience that’s just right for you here.
We can't wait to speak with you about the best opportunities for African wild dog volunteering in Africa!
