Tragedy Strikes the African Painted Dog Project in Zimbabwe

Date: 7 August 2003

Source: David Shepherd Foundation

Author: Anon

In the last few days tragedy has struck the Painted Dog Research Project near Hwange Park, Zimbabwe. One of the projects best-known study packs, the Abangane, have been wiped out by poachers, with the exception of the alpha female. They died horrific and painful deaths caught in the wire snares that now litter the bush in a recent explosion of poaching activity. Despite the concerted efforts of the two anti-poaching patrols that are funded by DSWF, and the efforts of many local people, the situation is spiralling out of control in some areas and wildlife is being wiped out at a truly alarming rate. The Abangane pack had strayed from their usual home range to an area by the Gwayi River where the poaching is at its most intense. They were tracked each day by ultralight in an effort to pinpoint their den location and fit protective anti-snare collars. Concern was raised when the collared alpha female kept appearing in different locations. When tracked on the ground, she was found, wandering alone, with a vicious wound encircling her torso, caused by a snare. There are concerns now for her safety.