Piloting Wildlife Credits for African Wild Dog Conservation in Ondjou Conservancy
NNF, in partnership with the Kalahari African Wild Dog Conservation Project (KAWDCP), is piloting an innovative conservation finance model under the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Wildlife Credits initiative. This project, titled “Leveraging Conservation Funds for High-Value and Endangered Species – the African Wild Dog Product”, is focused on the Ondjou Conservancy in the Otjozondjupa Region.
African wild dogs, one of the most endangered carnivores in Africa, face increasing threats due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and limited conservation funding. The Wildlife Credits model offers a promising solution, rewarding communities for verified conservation outcomes and connecting them to sustainable funding opportunities.
Laying the Groundwork with Data and Dialogue
At the heart of this pilot is a comprehensive baseline data collection effort to assess the status and health of African Wild dogs in Ondjou. In June 2025, 30 camera traps were procured through a consultancy agreement between NNF and KAWDCP. Of these, 20 traps have already been deployed across key areas within the conservancy.
In addition, two workshops have been held with game guards and the conservancy management committee to build awareness around wildlife credits and the ecological importance of African wild dogs. These sessions are critical in ensuring local buy-in and equipping stakeholders with the knowledge needed to actively participate in and benefit from the project.
From 23 to 30 September 2025, four trained game guards conducted village-level meetings to further engage local communities and spread awareness about the species and the conservation model.
Looking ahead…
KAWDCP delivered a comprehensive report at the end of September, analysing the camera trap data. This will inform the scientific basis for evaluating the feasibility of developing a full Wildlife Credits product focused on African Wild dogs in the Ondjou Conservancy. If successful, the model could bolster conservation for this endangered species and offer long-term financial incentives to the community for protecting biodiversity.
