Livestock farmers face the challenge of predators killing their livestock so to prevent any harm to these animals… the Endangered Wildlife Trust sponsors guard dogs.
South Africa (05 August 2020) – The Endangered Wildlife Trust combats animal conservation on all fronts! From working with researchers and raising awareness, to outfitting anti-poaching units and providing farmers with the tools needed to protect their livestock and the natural order.
The Endangered Wildlife Trust’s ‘working dogs’ campaign brings companionship to livestock farmers as well as protection for their flocks. In parts of South Africa, livestock is still targeted by predators. By working with livestock farmers, EWT is able to protect predators.
“We all love our pets. They bring joy and companionship to our lives. Working dogs take their contribution to a whole new level.
In places where wildlife and farmers share the same land, farmers sometimes wake up to a dark reality. Valuable cows, sheep, or goats have been killed and eaten by a Leopard, Wild Dogs, Lions, or Cheetahs. This can be a devastating loss to families who struggle on the edge of survival. This is even more true in the time of COVID, when even more people are struggling to make ends meet.
This is a difficult situation. You have tried all methods at your disposal to protect your livestock, and you don’t want to kill the carnivores, not only because it is illegal and dangerous to do so, but also because you understand the importance of carnivores in the ecosystem. What do you do?
Fortunately, there is light to brighten the day in the form of a Livestock Guardian Dog. The EWT works with farmers to place dogs with at-risk livestock herds. As farmers gain peace of mind in knowing their herds are protected, they trust and value these working dogs as they bring light to the dark reality of farming among predators.
The EWT Carnivore Conservation Programme’s Livestock Guardian Dog Project is a part of our Community Conservation efforts, and is made possible by the GEF Small Grants Programme, Princess Charlene of Monaco, the Elizabeth Wakeman Henderson Foundation, Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire Eskom Hld SOC Ltd, and Eukanuba South Africa.”
The dogs become a vital part in the survival of both the livestock herds and the families themselves. These working dogs are heroes within their families and communities.