CENSUS EXPEDITION ON THE HUNT FOR WILD DOGS & CHEETAHS

Wild dogs and Cheetahs are among the rarest of Africa’s large carnivores. Both species, severely impacted by loss of habitat and persecution from man, are on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. As an understanding of population dynamics is essential for the development of sound conservation strategies, a Census Expedition was organised in late January to obtain preliminary information about the distribution of these animals in the Parque Nacional do Limpopo.

Researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust, assisted by intrepid explorer Kingsley Holgate, travelled the entire length of the park to determine whether the animals had been sighted. Fortunately, researchers are able to recognise individuals of both species from their unique coat patterns, thus enabling easy recognition to try establish an estimate of their minimum population numbers. The outcome was positive, and according to Harriet Davies-Mostert, Manager of EWT’s Carnivore Conservation Group, the park has the potential to become a carnivore stronghold in the years to come.

Any visitors lucky enough to see Wild Dogs or Cheetah in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park should report sightings to the Census Hotline Number (076 725 5242) or census@ewt.org.za Visit www.ewt.org.za for more information.