New wild dog pack released into game reserve
THERE was great excitement at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) last week as a new pack of nine African wild dogs was released into the iconic game reserve.
Wildlife ACT, a non-profit conservation organisation, undertook the release and will continue to monitor the pack.
The release is an important milestone in the conservation of this endangered species, also known as painted dogs, as they are the most endangered carnivore in South Africa.
Of the estimated 3 000 to 5 000 painted dogs left in the wild, less than 550 are located in South Africa. Wildlife ACT Species Monitor, Jarryd Foster led the release of the 'Mbulunga pack' from the boma - an important process which ensures all the dogs exit the boma with minimal stress.
Each member of the pack which consists of five males and four females - was fitted with tracking collars.
This will allow for the collection of valuable data, which will inform decision making relating to the species' conservation.
HiP was chosen as the first reserve to reintroduce wild dogs in 1980 owing to its expansive size - 90 000 hectares at the time.
Since then, Ezemvelo has enjoyed great success in boosting the dogs' numbers.
'Ezemvelo's dedication to the protection of these species has not only played a critical role in their conservation in KZN, but has also boosted their conservation in countless other protected areas through trans-locations and the sharing of expertise.
'The release of this new pack is yet another success story of Ezemvelo's continued commitment to the protection of the African wild dog and all other endangered species,' said Amos Tembe, Law Enforcement Manager at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
Following their release, the Mbulunga pack has moved north into the Hluhluwe section of the park.
Wildlife ACT’s monitoring teams based in both the Hluhluwe and iMfolozi sections of HiP will continue to work closely alongside Ezemvelo management to monitor the progress of this pack.