AFL CONSERVATION ADVENTURE: Tracking and Collaring Endangered Predators
The AFL Conservation Project has taken an active role in the collaring of endangered predators to aid in wildlife management and conservation efforts. Over recent years, collaring has become vital in understanding animal movement, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and potentially saving species from extinction. Working in collaboration with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and Craig Reid from Wildest Kruger Safaris, we focus on placing tracking collars on animals such as Wild Dogs, Cheetahs, and other endangered species. These collars not only provide invaluable data on their movements but also help detect signs of abnormal behaviour due to injury or distress.
Day 1: The Journey Begins
Our conservation adventure started with an engaging presentation from the EWT about wild dogs, their behaviour, and the critical importance of collaring. It was a great way to prepare us for the tasks ahead, highlighting the significance of our efforts in preserving these amazing creatures.
Day 2: The Search for the Wild Dogs
The next morning, we set out on our first venture to track a pack of wild dogs. With hopes high, we came across two fresh wild dog kills, which was a positive sign that they were nearby. Despite these promising clues, the elusive pack managed to evade us for the remainder of the day. Later that afternoon, we attempted a call-out and found fresh tracks but were once again unable to spot the Wild Dogs.
Day 3: A Visit to Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre
After an eventful Day 2, we spent the morning of Day 3 visiting the Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre. The centre has taken a strict policy aligned with international trends by discontinuing animal interactions to ensure the well-being of their wildlife. It was inspiring to see the conservation work being done there.
That afternoon, we returned to the property where the wild dog activity had been spotted and brought along the vet in the hope of darting and collaring the pack. Unfortunately, our second attempt was also unsuccessful, as the wild dogs once again moved to another property just before we could reach them.
Day 4: Snare Sweeping and a Final Attempt
Our final day involved a morning walk with our guide, Wiann from Braai Safaris, followed by an important snare-sweeping mission on a nearby property. In just one hour, we found 15 snares over 1.5km, highlighting the urgent need for anti-poaching measures.
In the afternoon, we made one last attempt to collar the pack. Though we had high hopes, the wild dogs managed to evade us once again. Despite the setback, the collar we donated was successfully placed on another wild dog the following week, ensuring that our efforts would still contribute to the greater conservation mission.
This experience was truly eye-opening, revealing the extensive costs involved in the wildlife conservation process. Over the course of our adventure, we saw firsthand the efforts required—calling out the vet and his team three times, the costs of aerial flights to track the wild dogs, and the specialized equipment and time dedicated to ensuring their safety. Access to private properties also played a critical role, adding further complexity to the operation. Each step highlighted the immense resources needed to save endangered species, and it deepened our appreciation for everyone working tirelessly in this field.
Looking Ahead
Although our immediate efforts to collar the wild dog pack weren’t successful during this trip, our journey was far from a failure. With the collar successfully placed afterwards and vital conservation work achieved, we left the Greater Kruger National Park inspired and more motivated than ever. We continue to look forward to our next project and remain dedicated to protecting Africa’s wildlife.
We extend our gratitude to everyone involved and the generous support that makes our conservation projects possible. Together, we are making a difference in ensuring the survival of these precious endangered species.
