Operating since 1989, Dr. "Tico" McNutt and his team have accumulated a most extensive database on the behaviour and ecology of the African wild dog, the second most endangered carnivore in Africa. Chitabe Camp, situated within the western part of the study area, works closely with the researchers of the Botswana and contributes toward the funding of this long-running conservation project. Dave and Helene Hamman, the owners of Chitabe and Chitabe Lediba, have dedicated many years to photographing the African wild dog and their efforts, combined with the extensive knowledge of Dr. "Tico" McNutt, culminated in the book, Running Wild: Dispelling the Myths of the African Wild Dog.
Wild dogs require large natural areas in which to roam, hunt and raise young. As Africa becomes more developed, conflicts with humans continue to mean declining populations for these predators through livestock conflicts, disease, poaching and road killing. In addition to the ongoing monitoring of wild dogs, the research programme incorporates a study of the relationships between people, parks and predators, an examination of the wild dogs' system of communication and a survey of the population and ranging behaviour of wild dogs in the marginal livestock areas. Overall programme efforts focus on finding new solutions for the conservation and management of wild dogs and other predators in a complex mosaic of habitats.
Dr. McNutt and the wild dogs featured in the May 1999 edition of National Geographic Magazine and the project has also been the focus of a BBC's Natural World film - 'Newky: A Wild Dog's Story' - that was released in January 2002. Ongoing research, as well as addressing the surrounding communities' attitudes towards these animals, has resulted in a gradual increase in awareness of the plight of the African wild dog.
The tented field camp is located at the south-eastern end of the Okavango Delta on the edge of Moremi Reserve, where the wild dogs and local people's attitudes towards predators have been studied since 1989. The project is associated with the University of Montana and its graduate students are pursuing research on communication, behaviour, conflict management and monitoring of predators here.
Projects in Botswana
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