AFRICAN WILD DOGS UNITED 2026
An International and Collaborative virtual african wild dog conference
IMPORTANT DATES
CONFERENCE DATE
Tuesday, 03 March 2026 – Thursday, 05 March 2026
SUBMISSION PORTAL OPENS
Wednesday, 01 October 2025
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Monday, 03 November 2025 at 23H59 (GMT+2)
REVIEW OUTCOME & INVITATIONS DISTRIBUTED
Thursday, 11 December 2025
CONFERENCE PROGRAM DISTRIBUTED
Tuesday, 17 February 2026
VENUE
Virtual / Online – Zoom (links to be provided)
Join us as we unite to celebrate the Endangered African Wild Dog and combine our efforts for its long-term survival
The 2026 AFRICAN WILD DOGS UNITED THREE DAY VIRTUAL CONFERENCE brings together scientists, researchers, conservation managers, communities, students, supporters, sponsors and enthusiasts to understand the most up to date science; discuss conservation and management issues; tackle current challenges; and raise awareness about the African Wild Dog.
Immerse yourself in all things wonderfully Wild Dog: take this opportunity to learn, be inspired and participate in supporting their conservation.
Overview
Riding on the extraordinary success of our 2022 African Wild Dogs United Conference our 2026 AFRICAN WILD DOGS UNITED CONFERENCE focuses on research, new discoveries and updates on the 2022 research plus a lot more.
We plan to keep you, our global audience, wanting to absorb every minute of the presentations delivered. We also plan to engage with sponsors in an exciting forum. Our mission is to raise bursary funding for African students.
The conference will cover the science, the species (evolutionary history, adaptation, biology, speed, the ecology, the beauty, etc.), the spaces where it roams, and the threats that wild dogs face.
The African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus) is globally listed as Endangered with a population of about 6,600 individuals, or 700 breeding pairs. Its range and distribution has decreased by 93% and has become increasingly fragmented. The species now occurs in only 14 of the 39 countries it once historically inhabited.
The main threats to the species include loss of prey and habitat, direct persecution such as conflict killing, indirect persecution such as snaring and road kills, and in some instances, the utilisation of body parts for traditional use.
The purpose of the conference is to create a platform for scientists, researchers, protected area managers, and all interested parties, to collectively further our vision for the wellbeing, growth and protection of the African Wild Dog. We draw together wild dog scientists, conservationists, enthusiasts, and funders to celebrate this extraordinary species and combine efforts for its long-term survival.
Our 2026 AFRICAN WILD DOGS UNITED CONFERENCE focuses on research and updates since 2022 and broadening the minds of all participants to more fully understand what makes the African Wild Dog so very special.
Who will attend?
The target audience includes regional and international scientists, conservation managers, government agencies, NGOs, students, the general public, funders and investors, conservation planners, international agencies, tourism operators, artists, photographers, and journalists.
Benefits to African researchers and conservationists
The 2026 AWDU CONFERENCE focuses strongly on building capacity among emerging researchers and students. Proceeds from the conference will be used to establish a bursary fund for African students wishing to conduct research on this magnificent species. Lack of funding is often one of the biggest restrictions that prevents people doing research and feeding valuable information back into the hands of decision-makers. By investing in this conference, you will not only be contributing to the conservation of an iconic species, you will also be investing in someone’s future.
Corporate partnership options
This high-profile conference will present unique branding opportunities for sponsors who care about African wild dogs and the wild spaces they roam. In 2022 we gathered 220 delegates we anticipate this number will swell by attracting delegates from over 20 countries around the globe and beyond this figure, given the streamlined nature of the 3-day conference.
It will be promoted though a combination of social media campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, Linked-in and X, various subject-matter websites and our extensive mailing lists. In addition, the co-organisers of the conference will leverage their networks to promote the conference.
If you would like to find out more about how to become a corporate partner, please contact Tammy Baker at tammyb@ewt.org.za or +27(0)82 903 2152.
Sponsored by the Painted Wolf Foundation
"The painted wolf is Africa’s most persecuted predator. Few know they exist. We raise awareness and support organisations that conserve them."
Conference Hosts
