Namibia: Registry for Captive Wild Dogs on Cards

Efforts are underway to develop a registry for captive wild dogs in Namibia, in order to guide management decisions regarding captive wild dogs in the future.

The development of this registry was discussed at a one-day meeting of the Large Carnivore Management Association of Namibia (LCMAN) held in Windhoek towards the end of last November.

In a statement, LCMAN co-ordinator Faith Chambara said the ministry and LCMAN both renewed their commitment to working together in protecting this endangered species in the wild.

The carnivore co-ordinator in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Dr Ortwin Aschenborn, updated LCMAN members on the ministry's leopard census.

"In line with this goal, the research sub-committee has committed to assisting with the ministry's leopard census by providing scientific expertise where required," said Chambara.

Furthermore, a preliminary report was given by the carnivore re-introduction and translocation sub-committee, which is developing a guide for assisting farmers with managing large carnivore problems.

The LCMAN provides a platform for carnivore conservationists, agriculturalists, hunting and tourism organisations to discuss the management of large carnivores in Namibia.

The next meeting of the organisation will be held on February 28 at the Harnas Wildlife Foundation near Gobabis.