Newly translocated African wild dog puppies have been spotted in Liwonda!

In July 2021, eight African wild dogs were successfully translocated to Liwonde National Park in Malawi. We are pleased to announce that after seven months of mastering the new environment, the puppies were noticed by visitors and were filmed!

Six weeks after the pack of five males and three females arrived at the park, nine pups were captured on camera trap and believed to be the first litter born in the country for many years. The pack has changed dens several times over the past few months, and so far all eight adults and nine pups, now five months old, appear healthy and well adjusted to their new home.

With only an estimated 6,600 African wild dogs remaining on the continent, the transfer of 14 individuals to the wildlife sanctuary was completed in July 2021 in collaboration with the Endangered Wildlife Trust and DNPW Malawi, with major funding from Remembering Wildlife Liwonde and Majete, as an international effort to conserve this endangered species.

“The wild dog is one of Africa's most endangered mammals, so we are very proud to have been able to create safe spaces in Malawi where their long-term survival can be ensured,” said Malawi National Parks and Wildlife Department director Brighton Kumchedwa. “Conserving our country's natural heritage is central to our national development strategy. Over the past two decades, our collaboration with African parks and local communities has helped restore many iconic species to our protected areas, contributing not only to global biodiversity goals, but also to sustainable economic growth.”

Collective conservation efforts, including reintroduction into suitable, safe, protected areas, are critical to ensuring the growth and prosperity of the African wild dog population. Last year's relocation was made possible by major support from Remembering Wildlife's new book, Remembering African Wild Dogs, with additional support from Painted Wolf Wines, Tania Ihlenfeldt and Rob Hibbert, and The OAK Foundation. This would also not have been possible without the support of operational partners: African Parks, Administração Nacional das Áreas de Conservação, Bateleurs, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Gorongosa National Park, Green Dog Sanctuary, Karingani Game Reserve, Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Department Malawi National Parks and Wildlife, Maremani Game Reserve, Mozambique Wildlife Alliance, Somkhanda Community Game Reserve (Wildlands), Umphafa Private Nature Reserve and ACT Wildlife.