Okavango-Kalahari Wild Dog Research Project

Researchers: Botilo Thato Tshimologo and Kai Collins

This project is part of the overall project: Botswana Wildlife Research - Increasing Capacity.

This project aims to build on past research done on wild dog within the Okavango Delta, as well as add to the body of knowledge currently existing, hence the selection of areas wherein wild dog packs have not been closely studied.

This study aims to compare wild dog packs in two locations within the Okavango Delta Ramsar site with wild dog packs in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR). Movement and activity data from GPS collars on wild dog packs in the CKGR will be compared with data from 3 GPS collars on wild dogs in the Okavango Delta Ramsar site, as well as behavioural observations from the study packs. Due to recent advances in technology, the collars are lighter than ever before which is very important for such a highly mobile species. The new collars are also able to store GPS fixes onboard that can be downloaded remotely later on - even from the air if necessary.

The same data collection methodology and time period will be used across study sites in order to gain a better understanding of how wild dog have adapted to survive in such different habitat types. This study forms part of an MSc research project being carried out by Botilo Thato Tshimologo, who is studying through the University of Botswana's Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre. This project is very closely linked to the Central Kalahari Wild Dog Research Project as both studies will compare data.

The information gained from the comparison of the species in the two different habitat types and an understanding of movements across fence lines can be used in the creation and implementation of a proactive conservation plan for this endangered carnivore.

One of the significant threats for wild dog is the potential spread of diseases such as canine distemper and rabies, often contracted through contact with domestic dogs. As such, one of the primary focuses of this project is to determine wild dog movements in relation to the closest human settlements, with an aim to concentrate a canine disease vaccination programme on domestic dogs in these areas, in an attempt to minimise the risk of these diseases spreading to free-ranging wild dog populations.