KNP wild dog population dwindles: no cause for concern

A RECENT count of the wild dog population in the Kruger National Park (KNP) - carried out every five years - has indicated that the numbers of this endangered species have dwindled from 434 to 200, although the conservationists are "not overly concerned" as these fluctuations seem to be the norm.
So reports Dr Gus Mills, who was involved in the park's third wild dog survey and who heads up the Carnivore Conservation Group for the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).
He told Travel Now that the fluctuation in population was not due to a disease or any "human element" but could probably be ascribed to the heavy rainfall experienced at the beginning of the year.
"Also, after studying the dogs for some time, I've concluded that these fluctuations do tend to occur every couple of years."

(Adéle Mackenzie)