African Wild Dog Ecology

Our work has led to a significant reduction in retaliatory killings of wild dogs and has helped build community support for their conservation. By addressing the root causes of human-wildlife conflict and implementing targeted interventions, we've seen increased tolerance for wild dog presence in community lands. The project has also contributed valuable data on wild dog ecology and behavior that informs broader conservation strategies across their range.

Movement Ecology

Dedan Ngatia tracking wild dogs for monitoring

Disease Ecology

By preventing rabies transmission between domestic dogs and wildlife, our campaign protects endangered carnivore populations while simultaneously safeguarding human health. This exemplifies the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. The campaign has significantly reduced human rabies exposures in the region and has created a model for community-based disease prevention that can be replicated elsewhere.

Carnivore-People Co-existence

Our coexistence program has significantly reduced retaliatory killings of carnivores while simultaneously improving livestock security for participating communities. This win-win approach demonstrates that conservation and community development can be complementary rather than competing interests. By building trust and delivering tangible benefits to communities living with carnivores, we've fostered greater tolerance and appreciation for these species, creating a more sustainable foundation for their conservation.

Climate Change

By understanding how climate change affects wild dogs, we can develop targeted conservation interventions that enhance their resilience to warming temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. Our findings are informing the creation of climate-smart protected area management plans and helping identify potential climate refugia that should be prioritized for conservation. This work also highlights the importance of maintaining habitat connectivity to allow wild dogs to adjust their ranges in response to changing conditions.

Conservation, Co-existence& Communities

Dedan Ngatia

Postdoctoral Fellow, Smithsonian Institution and Mpala Research Centre

At a Glance

Current Role

Postdoctoral Fellow, Smithsonian Institution/Mpala Research Centre | 2025

Education

PhD in Ecology, University of Wyoming, USA - Jan 2020 to Aug 2025

Research Focus

Carnivore ecology, Movement/Spatial ecology, Disease ecology, and Human-Wildlife-Livestock co-existence

Key Project

Laikipia Rabies Vaccination Campaign (2016-present)

I study the ecology and conservation of African wild dogs, focusing on their ecological patterns, threats to their survival, and the development of effective conservation strategies. My work integrates field-based research, applied science, and community-led initiatives, with a particular emphasis on disease dynamics at the human-wildlife interface and mitigating threats to endangered species.

Samburu-Laikipia Wild Dog Project

Leading research on African wild dog ecology, behavior, and conservation in Kenya's Ewaso ecosystem.

2022-present

Laikipia Rabies Vaccination Campaign

Community-based vaccination effort to protect both domestic dogs and wildlife from rabies.

2016-present

Climate Change Impact on Wild Dogs

Studying how increasing temperatures affect pathogen exposure and population dynamics.

2020-present

Let's Connect

I'm always interested in collaborations, speaking engagements, and consultations related to wildlife conservation. Feel free to reach out to discuss potential opportunities.