Inform

Disseminating the information regarding the problems facing this species and results so found

In order to create the climate for expansion into former ranges where dogs have been exterminated. we carry out an awareness/education programme throughout the country.

Talks, booklets, posters and links with education officers, all help to target schools, farmers and local people throughout Zimbabwe and explain the plight of this very endangered species.

Public perception is a driving force of extinction, so the education work is creating an environment whereby the dogs can move in status from ‘perceived pest’ to 'best loved animal'.

Last year in Zimbabwe the project was runner up for a national conservation trophy for the organisation that made the biggest impact on wildlife conservation as a whole. Considering this project only works on a single species it was a great honour. This work has also created better tourist perception and following a recent survey, in the last ten years the Painted Dog has risen in status among Zimbabwean tourists from perceived pest to best loved animal. The Painted Dog now ranks as the number one animal that tourists MOST want to see, surpassing the traditional favourites of rhino, lion, leopard and elephants.

Regular contributions are made to wildlife and airline magazines in Zimbabwe as well as to the Wildlife clubs and environmental groups such as Environment 2000 which outreaches to a great spectrum of the Zimbabwean public on conservation. For example, we recently produced a run of 20,000 copies of the Project's booklet, which is now being distributed freely to schools and conservation organisations for them to use for their own outreach.

Local artists are encouraged to depict the dogs in the medium through which they work. Consequently currently being produced are batiks and pottery depicting Painted Dogs. On the same theme next year, in conjunction with Environment 2000, the project is running a nation-wide colouring competition so that children become both involved and aware.

Updated: 09 September 2007

[Home Page] [About Us] [The Dogs] [Conservation] [Action] [Education] [Arts Centre] [News] [Photo Gallery] [Please Help] [Contact Us] [Supporters] [Further Reading]

Contact us