Community volunteers key to survival of wild dog

Survivor Nyasulu

 Community Volunteers have emerged as a driving force in the conservation of  the wild dog in Hwange.

It all started in 2015 when a wild dog named MK died of snaring in the community under the jurisdiction of  Chief Nelukoba.

A group of community volunteers joined forces with Painted Dog Conservation in 2015 in efforts to combat poaching within the community. The group of volunteers went on to name Mabale Volunteers. 

One of the critical roles of the Community volunteers is removing snares in the community veld and private farms. Snares are the biggest threat to the wild dog’s survival. The large numbers of these volunteers have helped reduce the number of snares in the wild. 

The Community volunteers also go out camping with the Painted Dog Conservation Anti-Poaching Unity in the wild. With more boots on the ground patrols have become easier and the number of wire snares has reduced significantly.

The Mabale Volunteers have inspired other villages to take part in anti-poaching activities. Most villages in ward 17 now have volunteers, with volunteers coming from Dopota, Siyanyanga and Nabushome villages. 

Even livestock  used to fall into wire snares, but recently there has been a significant decline in the number of snares.

The resilience and dedication of the volunteers has finally paid off with Painted Dog Conservation paying fees for all their primary school children. They are also paid after every bush camping patrol. 

One of the volunteers, Nonhlanhla Ndlovu expressed her joy.

“We loved and enjoyed what we do even though we did not gain anything in the beginning. During these patrols we learn more about animal behaviors. The program helps us a lot, our children’s fees are paid for by the organization, and we also get paid after our operations.” 

However the job comes with so many challenges, but that has not stopped the volunteers from protecting wildlife. 

Another volunteer, Norweleen Sibanda said volunteers have ruffled some feathers among poachers. 

 “Poachers in the community hate what we do, but that has not stopped us from protecting our wildlife”.

Several stakeholders have underscored the importance of the volunteers in conversation efforts. Debra Maphosa, a Painted Dog Conservation ranger said, “Volunteers play a huge role in conservation, they help us in reducing the number of snares set up by poachers.”

“Community Volunteers help us with manpower and with them on the ground, poaching is minimized,” said Clement Nyoni a Sikumi Forestry ranger.