Theresa Pizzuto: Monitoring wild puppies in Zambia
By Sarah Wiecek
Theresa Pizzuto from Cranebrook, NSW, has always had a passion for animals. After completing a masters degree in wildlife management, she rewarded herself with a trip to Africa and volunteered for two weeks with the conservation project African Wild Dog Conservation in Zambia.
"Although African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) are the most successful hunters in Africa, they are also the most endangered carnivore in Africa," she explained. Their numbers are dwindling due to habitat destruction, poaching and diseases such as rabies that have been transmitted from other dogs. "There are only about 3000 left so monitoring their numbers, health and distribution is very important."
Theresa helped to radio-track the dogs, recording their condition and the density of prey species available to them. Work began every morning between 4am and 5am which is the period the animals are most active "It's a cooler time of day, so it's an easier time to work but they generally worked until it got dark again," she said. "Sometimes after work, we'd go out spotlighting to find leopards."
Not many tourists in Africa see the wild dogs but, as part of her volunteer work, Theresa was able to see a pack of dogs with puppies. Consequently, she got closer to the animals than she would've if she'd been on a safari holiday. "We got to go off the main safari trails and we also got to camp in the national parks. Most people have to pay hundreds of dollars to stay in camp resorts!"
The days could be long and exhausting and Theresa admits that she did miss home every now and then after travelling through Africa for a couple of months but overall the experience was amazing. She gained work experience in conservation along with the sense that while travelling she'd been able to contribute something to Zambia.
For people considering volunteering overseas, she recommends being 'well in-touch with the people you are going to meet up with. Also, research the area you're going to especially the clothing. In Africa you should wear things that are considerate and modest.'
More information
If you would like to get involved with African Wild Dog Conservation, visit www.awdczambia.org
The Centre for Volunteering [ABN 28 002 416 024]
Level 2, 228 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
T: 02 9261 3600 | F: 02 9261 4033 | E: info@volunteering.com.au
www.volunteering.com.au