Project Update: July 2009

The large carnivore surveys are ongoing; a team of two eco-guards has been trained and is now able to conduct surveys on motorbike along pre-selected stretches of dirt roads throughout the area’s natural habitat. Between December 2008 and July 2009, 190 km have been repeatedly surveyed. Tracks of spotted hyaena, lion and leopard were frequently observed, while in February 2009 potential wild dog tracks were found. These tracks were found 8 km from the nearest village, rendering it unlikely to belong to a domestic dog.

The team also continued to interview villagers who sometimes claim to have seen wild dogs. Tracks found and pictures taken at potential wild dog den sites, however, appeared to be of spotted hyaena. Currently, the heavy rains that started from June limit accessibility to the area. The team will continue to interview communities while road surveys will start again from November 2009.