Dogs in conservation

Puppies saving wildlife & livestock

The Livestock Guardian Dogs Project, run by the Endangered Wildlife Trust in the Waterberg Mountains in South Africa, is highly effective way to protect both livestock and wildlife.

From a young age, specially trained puppies are placed with herds, where they grow up alongside the animals they will guard. This early bond allows the dogs to develop a strong protective instinct, making them highly effective at deterring predators such as leopards, African wild dogs, and caracals.

By providing farmers with these loyal guardians, livestock losses are greatly reduced. At the same time, the project prevents retaliatory killings of carnivores, helping farmers and predators coexist in harmony. This initiative not only supports rural communities but also plays a vital role in conserving threatened carnivore species.