African wild dog (Lycan pictus)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 13255764

WDC helps to protect threatened and endangered species and ecosystems using specialized detection dogs to generate high-value data and collect non-invasive samples unavailable through conventional methods. We partner with high-impact conservation projects to ensure that the information we generate translates into conservation on the ground. Founded in 2000, WDC has worked on a wide variety of target species, including carnivores, primates, reptiles, plants and even multiple life-stages of invertebrates. The work proposed here marks a new chapter in WDC’s history, as it is the first major project to focus on the detection and reduction of a pervasive and direct threat to endangered wildlife: wire snares. Snare training will begin in Montana, US, with fieldwork to take place in Zambia. We will focus on two goals: snare removal and refining snare detection methods in protected areas. During the course of snare removal operations, the efficiency (detection rate and cost) of detection dogs will be compared to conventional methods using human searchers on walking transects. The South Luangwa valley is particularly vulnerable to snares, where populations of African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), elephant (Loxodonta africana), and lion (Panthera leo) are heavily impacted. We will work with anti-poaching patrols to both reduce the threat from snares and refine the best practices for snare removal to be applied elsewhere. We will partner with the South Luangwa Conservation Society, where we will build the capacity for snare detection with another local partner, Green Dogs Conservation. WDC will not only “leave behind” the capacity for this project to be replicated, but we will also communicate the best practices for snare detection and removal learned through this work to other organizations and management authorities that confront snaring as a threat to wildlife. WDC has a strong record of scientific publication (see the “publications” page on our website), and the results from this work will be documented through a peer-reviewed publication. The practical information will also be disseminated through more condensed and accessible media, including a training booklet and videos for protected area managers and policy makers. WDC is a registered as a 501 c 3 non-profit in the United States (EIN: 20-2708654). Our partners, The South Luangwa Conservation Society and Green Dogs are registered non profits in the US and South Africa, respectively.