Protecting endangered species, educating future generations

In the fight against poaching and wildlife extinction, one South Wales organisation is making a remarkable impact. Co-founder Darren Priddle explains how.

Dogs 4 Wildlife, based in St Clears, Carmarthenshire, is dedicated to training highly skilled conservation dogs and providing specialised ranger training to combat poaching across Southern Africa.

With a mission to protect endangered wildlife, Dogs 4 Wildlife has already deployed 15 operational dogs across four southern African countries, contributing to a 75% reduction in poaching numbers.

Their efforts not only safeguard wildlife but also inspire and educate future generations about the importance of conservation. Conservation is not just about saving one species, it is understanding the role that every species has in the ecosystem.

Bridging the Gap

Conservation and education go hand in hand, yet many children from communities living near South Africa’s wildlife reserves have never had the chance to witness the animals they are expected to help protect. Less than 2% of them have visited reserves such as Kruger National Park, where 19 rhinos were poached in December 2024 alone.

To address this disconnect, the organisation launched Siyafunda Ngemvelo (We Learn in Nature) with UK Charity Connected Planet, a programme designed to introduce children from rural communities to the incredible wildlife around them, instilling a sense of pride, responsibility and urgency in protecting their natural heritage.

Tackling Rabies and Promoting Animal Welfare

Beyond anti-poaching efforts, Dogs 4 Wildlife is also committed to improving canine and animal welfare. In partnership with like-minded organisations in Zimbabwe, they are promoting education on rabies awareness, prevention, and bite avoidance with more projects across Southern Africa this coming year.

Rabies, one of the deadliest diseases on earth with a 99.9% fatality rate, continues to plague humans and animals alike. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals and claims 90% of its victims in regions where canine rabies is widespread.

To combat this crisis, Dogs 4 Wildlife provides leads and collars as incentives for dog owners to bring their pets to vaccination clinics. These simple tools also help improve animal welfare, replacing makeshift wire collars that cause injury and discomfort.

Dogs 4 Wildlife remains steadfast in its commitment to wildlife protection, education, and animal welfare. By training conservation dogs, educating communities and tackling rabies, they are creating a safer future for both endangered species and the people who share these areas with them.

For more information or to support their mission, visit www.dogs4wildlife.org.