UWEC receives endangered African painted dogs to boost conservation education

What the report says

The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) has received two endangered African painted dogs from the Butambala-based CTC Conservation Center, a transfer aimed at strengthening conservation education, research and possible future species recovery work in Uganda. The animals, a mature male and female, were handed over at UWEC on Friday, according to Nile Post.

The addition brings UWEC’s ex-situ collection to 69 species and fills an exhibit that had previously been empty. The African painted dog, also known scientifically as Lycaon pictus, is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. UWA officials said the species is no longer considered part of Uganda’s resident wildlife population, though occasional sightings from neighboring countries have been reported.

At the handover, Geoffrey Mwedde, acting commissioner for community conservation and ex-situ services at the Uganda Wildlife Authority, said the donation marks an important step for wildlife conservation and could support future reintroduction planning if suitable habitats are identified. Dr Racheal Mbabazi, assistant commissioner for ex-situ wildlife management, said the exhibit will help educate the public, especially young people, about species loss and the need for protection before animals disappear.

Nile Post also reported that UWA had previously considered importing the animals from South Africa at significant cost, making the donation a resource-saving alternative. The center and conservation partners said the new pair should support public awareness, research and broader efforts to conserve endangered wildlife in Uganda.