Where they used to be considered unwelcome predators or even pests, they are now increasingly seen as an attraction for local and international tourists. (Photo: Pixabay)
With their distinctive furry coats and the high-pitched chirping sounds with which the members of a pack greet each other, African wild dogs (Lycaon painted) one of the most popular sightings during safaris in Southern Africa. However, these predators were not always so popular.
A recent article in National Geographic highlights how the public perception of African wild dogs has changed over time. Where they used to be considered unwelcome predators or even pests, they are now increasingly seen as an attraction for local and international tourists.
Although these animals were once widespread south of the Sahara, their numbers have decreased drastically. (Photo: Pixabay)
Although these animals were once widespread south of the Sahara, their numbers have decreased drastically and nowadays they are largely restricted to protected areas in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia.
For prof. Peet van der Merwe of the Tourism research unit in Economy, Environment and Society at the North-West University (NWU), this growing admiration for the “painted dogs” is exactly what the species needs to survive. He believes that tourism is the key to their survival.
“This emerging trend of wild dog tourism is extremely important. Wild dogs are highly endangered, and there are relatively few places that can accommodate them.
“They need a lot of space and move over vast areas, which means that only a limited number of reserves can accommodate them.
If they do not have enough space to move around, they may move outside protected areas and come into contact with farming communities, which can cause conflict.
According to Van der Merwe, the interest of tourists can directly contribute to reducing this conflict.
“The interest in wild dogs can become an important tool for conservation. If income can be generated from wild dog tourism, that income can be reinvested in conservation initiatives, including securing larger protected areas and supporting management programs.”
“It can also contribute to local communities which are critically important in the South African tourism context. Communities must benefit from tourism and share in the economic opportunities it creates. At the same time, tourism income allows reserve owners and operators to strengthen their conservation efforts for wild dogs.”
South Africa as the ‘wild dog heartland’
According to Van der Merwe, South Africa is already in an excellent position to take advantage of this growing interest. With a network of reserves and an established tourism industry, he believes that the country can set the pace for the rest of the continent.
“South Africa is in a favorable position in this regard. The country already has several reserves and protected areas where wild dogs occur, which provides a strong foundation for positioning the species as a strategic tourism attraction.”
Wild dogs especially attract experienced safari travelers who look beyond the traditional Big Five and are looking for rare and select game species. (Photo: Pixabay)
Wild dogs especially attract experienced safari travelers who look beyond the traditional Big Five and are looking for rare and select game species.
Van der Merwe believes that South Africa must purposefully market its success stories in order to market the country as a world leader in wild dog conservation.
“There is clear branding potential. South Africa can position itself as the wild dog heartland of Africa, by highlighting the success of its wild dog recovery programs and the important role played by the private conservation sector. This provides a compelling narrative for marketing the country’s conservation achievements.”
“Additionally, the private tourism sector can capitalize on this by offering premium wildlife photography experiences focused on wild dogs.”
He says lodges and tour operators can market specialized photographic safaris in destinations where visitors have the opportunity to see and photograph these unique animals in their natural habitat.
“It therefore appears to be a win-win situation for the country and these remarkable animals. With the influx of tourism income, conservationists can smile broadly, while these animals move through the woodland in full action again.”
Wild dogs are highly endangered, and there are relatively few places that can accommodate them. (Photo: Pixabay)