Conservation enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to book a safari package at Tintswalo Lapalala over the Heritage Day long weekend of 24 September 2020 to join a veterinary team and scientists from the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) while they collar some African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve in Limpopo.
The African wild dog is Southern Africa’s most endangered large carnivore, with only about 438 left in all of South Africa. Conservation history was made in April this year when 10 adult dogs, notably one of the last free-roaming packs of the Waterberg, were successfully captured and relocated to a holding facility on the Lapalala Reserve. In the reserve they will be safe from pervasive threats such as hunting, poison, road collisions, snaring and habitat loss which have over the years reduced the population to near extinction.
The dogs adapted quickly in the boma at Lapalala and within a few weeks, a litter of pups was born. The eleven pups are now strong enough to be released into the reserve together with the 10 adults. The first step, however, is to raise funds to purchase VHS and satellite tracking collars, which has presented the unique opportunity for guests to not only donate but physically participate as sponsors of the project.
Tintswalo Lapalala’s Wild Dog Collaring Conservation package is available to 12 guests only for the long weekend of 24 September 2020. Children are welcome. Guests will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take close-up photographs of the wild dog adults and pups feeding.
Visit https://tintswalo.com/lapalala/gamelodge/ for information.
