Wild Dog Report

Two important meetings were held by Waterberg Wild Dog Initiative recently.  They are doing wonderful work.  For those that were not able to attend the meetings we provide a summary of the important issues that came out of each meeting.

TOOG Area Wild Dog Community Meeting

Saturday, February 18th at 13:00 Palm Park Hotel, Lephalale

Important Information

  • The pack is 19 wild dogs, including 5 adults, 7 subadults, and 7 pups born in 2022.
  • The pack is considered one of the most successful packs in South Africa due to their high pup survival.
  • The pack’s home range size since August 2020 has been 99,000Ha and 62 different farms.
  • Since September 2022, the pack’s average length of time on properties is 1.7 days per 1000Ha.
  • More information is needed to determine the pack’s diet in the area. Please report carcasses to the WWDI Field Officer, Clinton Venter, at 073 040 5744.
  • The WWDI will be placing additional GPS collars on the pack to maintain and expand reliable tracking.
  • 21 participants from the TOOG Pack’s range completed the survey, comprising 30,418Ha.
  • Data from the community survey showed potential for a successful community support fund in the area.

The community has chosen to pursue a community support fund to assist private properties hosting the pack.  The support fund will be managed by a community committee and advised by the WWDI. Additional committee members are needed.   The fund will seek to provide live game to properties to offset the wild dogs’ predation, rather than monetary funds.  The exact terms, conditions, and details of this fund are still being worked out and will be communicated as soon as it is ready.

Melkrivier Area Wild Dog Community Meeting

Friday, February 17th at 14:00 Mackouwkuil Game Lodge

Important Information

  • The pack contains 11 wild dogs, including 5 adults and 6 pups born in 2022.
  • The pack’s home range size since August 2022 has been approximately 32,000Ha and 20 different private farms.
  • More information is needed to determine the pack’s diet in the area. Please report carcasses to the WWDI Field Officer, Clinton Venter, at 073 040 5744.
  • The WWDI and EWT will be placing additional GPS collars on the pack to maintain and expand reliable tracking.
  • Data from the community survey showed potential for a successful community support fund in the area.

The community has chosen to pursue a community support fund to assist private properties hosting the pack.  The support fund will be managed by a community committee and advised by the WWDI and the EWT. Additional committee members are needed. The terms, conditions, and details of this fund are still being worked out and will be communicated as soon as it is ready.

The WWDI is working with the EWT and Wild Dog Advisory Group of South Africa to develop a strategic plan for the Waterberg population that balances landowner tolerances with the wild dogs’ conservation.

Copyright 2022 Waterberg Conservation