With fewer than 7000 wild dogs left in the world and fewer than 650 in South Africa, conservation efforts like this one bring real hope for an endangered species.
Waterberg, South Africa (18 March 2026) – Four years ago, conservationists helped establish a pack of African wild dogs in Mabula reserve.
It started in 2021 when two male wild dogs naturally dispersed from northern Limpopo. They walked for 330 kilometres until they arrived at Mabula Private Game Reserve in the Waterberg. Ivan Killian, the reserve manager, knew that two males without a pack could be a great starting point to establish a new breeding pack.
So the team contacted the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the Waterberg Wild Dog Initiative, and together they identified two females from the free-roaming Waterberg population. The four dogs were carefully introduced, given time to settle and bond with each other, and released onto the reserve in May 2022.
They’re a breeding pack now – one of only two in the Waterberg region.
Globally, fewer than 7000 wild dogs remain. South Africa is home to less than 650 of them. Every wild dog pup born from a breeding pack is a positive step in turning the odds around for an incredible species.
The reserve is an ideal spot for them, giving the pack ample space and prey to hunt without the risk of threats like human-wildlife conflict, disease and habitat-loss.
“Wild dogs are highly social species and require large ranges to hunt successfully,” says Killian, “Their survival is complex, as they face threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and disease. Conservation efforts that create safe, connected habitats are critical to maintaining viable populations and supporting national metapopulation strategies.”
Prof. Peet van der Merwe from North-West University says that South Africa is well-placed to make wild dogs a strong attraction for responsible wildlife tourism, beyond the ‘Big 5’ experience.
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“South Africa is in a fortunate position in this regard. The country already hosts several reserves and protected areas where wild dogs occur, which provides a strong foundation for positioning the species as a strategic tourism drawcard.”
People who have watched wild dogs hunt, socialise, and care for their pups don’t forget it. These encounters also help visitors understand the important role of protected areas and conservation programmes like this one, which aim to establish new breeding packs.
“Responsible wildlife tourism is more than observation – it helps sustain the programmes that ensure species like wild dogs survive for generations,” Killian says. “Every guest who witnesses our wild dogs contributes to long-term conservation impact.”
Tourism – people, actually visiting the bush to see these rare and fascinating predators in action – is what makes the conservation aspect financially viable, too. Reserves, wildlife organisations, and visitors are all part of the drive to boost wild dog numbers.
The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The Waterberg Wild Dog Initiative, the Endangered Wildlife Trust, and Mabula Private Game Reserve are among several organisations working toward protecting the species in South Africa.
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