ZAMBIAN CARNIVORE RESEARCH WEEK IN ASSOCIATION WITH ROBIN POPE SAFARIS

18TH NOVEMBER 2013- NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!

The Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) has been operating in Zambia since 1998, carrying out conservation and research activities to conserve Zambia's populations of this highly endangered species. The ZCP team is based with Nkwali camp and will be pleased to accompany you on activities and share their work with you.

The wild dog population in the South Luangwa has made a come back over the last decade and it is wonderful to see them on a regular basis after a number of years of virtually no sightings. The peak of the sightings are in the Emerald Season and March is a key month. The dogs travel huge distances so sightings are not guaranteed but the chances are good.

You will spend time with ZCP project manager Dr Matt Becker and his team, tracking the fascinating wild dogs, learning about ecological survey techniques in the field including lion identification and prey surveys, attending lectures and visiting ZCP's education partner Chipembele Wildlife Centre. The schedule is flexible as the wild dogs are unpredictable and one of the activities will be with ZCP each day. This trip gives you a chance to gain some exclusive insights into the ZCP conservation program. In addition to the above activities, you will also enjoy game drives and/or walking safaris in the park with a guide from Robin Pope Safaris.

FULL DETAILS

Grassland Lodge - Central Kalahari

See Wild Dog at Lagoon Camp!  

Perched on the banks of the wild Kwando River in the Kwando Concession. The camp is nestled beneath towering ebony and marula trees and accommodates up to 16 guests in eight beautifully appointed 'tents.'

There is a resident pack of Wild Dog who regularly den on the concession from around May to August every year.  We visited in December when the pups were 6 months old and followed the pack (9 adults and 11 puppies) on their hunts and daily life.

Lagoon - Kwando Concession

HWANGE PAINTED DOG CONSERVATION

Painted Dogs, also known as African Wild Dogs, are unique to Africa and they are among this continent's most endangered species. It is estimated that a mere 3,000 - 5,000 remain. The Painted Dog population in Zimbwawe is one of the last strongholds of the species and the Painted Dog Conservation are committed to their conservation. Their conservation methods and work with the local communities is beginning to have a positive effect on the outlook of the Painted Dog species.

www.painteddog.org

You can visit both Hwange National Park and The Painted Dog Education Centre as part of your Zimbabwe itinerary!