In Namibia, the struggle for the survival of the African wild dog unfolds in what the program coordinator at the Kalahari African Wild Dog Conservation Project describes as a “war zone”. Local farmers, fearing for their livestock, often resort to killing these endangered animals. Nadja le Roux reports that the impact of this persecution is alarming. “In 2021 I recorded seven destroyed dens. In all of those dens were puppy mortalities. I estimate that about 100 dogs were lost that year. If you work that out, 100 individuals out of our current global population is a lot.” Kirsty Watermeyer
African wild dogs, also known as painted wolves, are among the continent’s most unique and endangered carnivores. Distinguished by their striking coat patterns of black, brown and white, these social animals exhibit complex pack dynamics and exceptional hunting strategies. Unlike other canids, wild dogs boast an extraordinarily high success rate in hunts, often collaborating to chase down prey in coordinated efforts. Their social structure is matriarchal, with alpha pairs leading the pack and maintaining strong bonds that are essential for survival. When key animals, particularly the alpha pairs, are killed, the breakdown of the pack can have far-reaching negative effects, including pack dissolution, which can increase conflicts with farmers, when livestock can be taken as easier prey. Nadja notes, “Young dogs can cause havoc while looking to establish a new pack,” highlighting the crucial need to protect the stability of packs.
Through collar data, the project has revealed that wild dogs in Namibia utilise nearly double the expected home range size. “They avoid farms and are using old riverbeds and drainage lines,” Nadja explains. “Understanding this movement is vital for conservation efforts.” This insight underscores the need for effective land management strategies that accommodate the dogs’ natural behaviours.
Nadja was born in Namibia and raised in a conservation-focused family. From an early age a passion for wildlife and the natural world ignited a desire to work with animals. However, as time progressed, she transitioned into the tourism sector, working predominantly within communal lands and national parks. This shift sparked a deeper interest in social sciences, particularly in understanding the complex dynamics between people and wildlife.
While working in the Okakarara District, with the Cheetah Conservation Fund, Nadja started to see a pattern emerge in stories that farmers were sharing about wild dogs. “Wild dogs kept coming up in conversations,” she noted. “This wasn’t just about the occasional sighting, it sounded very permanent.” By tracking their movements and gathering information from local communities, it became clear that these dogs were not merely transient visitors, but were establishing dens in the area.
By building relationships with the local community, Nadja uncovered the grim reality of wild dog persecution. Many farmers, driven by the fear of livestock losses, resorted to killing these animals. “We found a destroyed den and two dead adult dogs, along with ten- day-old puppies,” she said, recalling the tragic consequences of this conflict.
In 2020, amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nadja founded the Kalahari African Wild Dog Conservation Project. This initiative aimed to focus exclusively on wild dogs outside of protected areas. “We realised that the pack was more established than anyone expected. We had three orphan litters in under a year, indicating a more stable population,” she noted, pointing out the unexpected resilience of these animals in a landscape fraught with danger.
One of the project’s significant achievements was collaring the first two free-roaming wild dogs in Namibia outside of protected areas. “This is a unique situation,” Nadja explained. “In South Africa and eastern Africa, most dogs are fragmented in national parks. Here, we still have a free-roaming population.” This distinction is crucial for understanding their behaviour and habitat use.
African wild dogs play a crucial role in their ecosystem by regulating prey populations, which ultimately contributes to the health of their habitats. As Nadja explains, they tend to target weak and sick animals, and this extends to livestock. Their cooperative hunting behaviours, vocal communication and adaptability to diverse environments underscore their importance in maintaining ecological balance. These traits make wild dogs not only fascinating animals but also vital subjects for conservation efforts aimed at preserving biodiversity and ecosystem integrity.
African wild dogs are the second most endangered large carnivores in Africa and the most endangered in Southern Africa. Endemic to the continent, their population is currently estimated at around 6,000 – with only about 1,400 mature adults remaining worldwide.
Farming landscapes pose significant challenges for wild dogs, as conflicts with livestock owners are common. “There is no such thing as a wild dog-proof fence,” Nadja cautions. “When they get into a camp, they can cause significant injuries and mortalities to livestock.”
Finding strategies that address farmers’ concerns while protecting this threatened species is crucial for the sustainability of both ecosystems and livelihoods. Initiatives like early warning systems are crucial for reducing conflicts, enabling farmers to be alerted when dogs are nearby, in order to kraal their stock.
As the project continues, Nadja remains hopeful. “We are far from where we need to be, but we can still change things.” With a focus on understanding wild dogs and their unique role in Namibia’s ecosystem, the project aims to create tolerance in communities so that wildlife and communities can coexist. In a world increasingly threatened by climate change and habitat loss, the work being done offers a vital chance for the survival of these remarkable canids.
The future of wild dogs is deeply intertwined with the landscapes they inhabit. Their survival is inextricably linked to the health of the ecosystems they roam and the people who share these spaces.
Nadja le Roux, the founder and program coordinator of Kalahari African Wild Dog Conservation Project, received the prestigious Conservationist of the Year Award by the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) in 2023.
From the 2025 issue of Huntinamibia
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