Africa’s Painted Dogs – conserving African wild dogs in Zimbabwe

African Wild Dogs, also known as Painted Dogs, are one of Africa’s rarest and most social carnivores. In the last century their numbers have declined 99% and there are now only 3000 - 5500 individuals remaining. They face persecution from many quarters, often being caught in snares, run over, shot or poisoned. Despite the difficulties studying this highly nomadic species, Dr Rasmussen spent years researching them in Zimbabwe, home of one of the last viable populations. In 1989, realizing that research alone would not save the dogs, he set up the Painted Dog Conservation project (PDC) near Hwange National Park. Dr Rasmussen will speak about his life with this intriguing species, their chances for survival and how PDC plays a vital role in the local community through conservation, education and employment opportunities.

Dr Gregory Rasmussen grew up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and obtained his doctorate at Oxford University in England. He is a member of the IUCN Canid Specialist Group, the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (also at Oxford University), and is supported by the Wildlife Conservation Network, based in San Francisco. He was featured in the TV series “I Shouldn’t Be Alive” when his light aircraft crashed in Hwange National Park and he spent a day and a half alone in the bush with both legs and pelvis broken before he was found. After numerous surgeries he is once again able to spend time in the bush working to conserve Africa's Painted Dogs.

Cost: $10 per person.

Reception 6 – 7.30pm. Lecture 7.30 – 8.30pm

RSVP appreciated to Jeff Cordulack at Audubon Greenwich.