2. IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group … . the world's chief body of scientific and practical expertise on the status and conservation of all species of the Canidae, advising the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Relies on inputs from a network of volunteers.

3. The CSG has its base at the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Oxford University, UK

4. Composed of 80 experts, representing over 30 countries (and with experience in many more). Serving as honorary advisors in their personal capacities. Membership is open to anybody actively involved in canid conservation and research. There is a separate Wolf Specialist Group

5. There are 36 species of wild canids (foxes, wolves, jackals and dogs), nine of which are threatened and in need of protection: CR : Darwin’s fox, island fox, red wolf EN : African wild dog, dhole, Ethiopian wolf VU : Blanford’s fox, bush dog, dingo The CSG mission is to promote their long- term conservation. Our knowledge of many of the remaining species is too poor to determine how serious are the threats they face.

6. Some species specialized and rare Malvinas/Falklands fox Lived in a limited treeless archipelago that facilitated persecution. Exterminated by fur traders and poisoning by sheep farmers. ‘… b efore the paper is decayed on which this animal has been figured, it will be ranked among those species which have perished from the earth.’ Charles Darwin, Zoology of the Voyage of the Beagle

7. e.g. coyotes, red foxes, jackals, Southern Cone foxes Other generalists and common… … too common for their own good, involved in major wildlife management issues (e.g., rabies transmission, live-stock predation, sport hunting, fur trade)

8. The CSG Mission: To promote the long-term conservation of all Canid species throughout their ranges.

9. Objectives: Compile and disseminate information on all canids, with particular emphasis on threatened/rare species. Provide technical information and advice on all matters concerning wild canids to: a) range state government agencies; b) national and international NGOs, potential funding bodies; c) inter-governmental organizations ( e.g. IUCN, CITES) d) field projects concerned with canid conservation.

10. Promote and catalyse canid conservation activities worldwide. Fund raising for canid research and conservation Improve management of the common and sometimes troublesome species. Build capacity through the exchange of ideas, information, and technical expertise. Objectives:

11. What do we do? The chief output of the CSG is the production and follow-up of action plans . Foxes, wolves, jackals and dogs (1990), African wild dog (1997) and Ethiopian wolf (1997) Canids: Foxes, wolves, jackals and dogs edited with the participation of 200 world experts The CAP will form the basis of our operations during the next ten years available online www.canids.org

16. How do we communicate? www.canids.org The CSG’s information hub. Publications, action plans, species accounts, news and announcements.

18. How do we communicate? Canid News An electronic, peer‑reviewed, scientific journal for the rapid dissemination of current research on the Canidae. A forum for the publication article on canid biology, conservation and welfare of wild canids. Manuscript submissions and peer review handled by email and content posted exclusively on the Internet.

20. How do we communicate? Canids-L Mailing list for people involved in canid research, conservation, management or policy, posting the latest canid news and a forum for discussion of emerging conservation topics. Canids-L is open to anybody actively involved in canid conservation and research.

21. How do we communicate? Canid Projects Database An online, interactive, searchable database of research and conservation projects on the Canidae.

22. 8 species of foxes are practically unknown. CSG is campaigning to gather much needed information and help protect them. Little known Pale fox Short-eared dog Hoary fox Sechuran fox of the world foxes Fennec fox Rüppell’s fox

24. Species for which detailed, up-to-date information would also be useful: Asia: Bengal fox ( Vulpes bengalensis ) Blanford's fox ( Vulpes cana ) Dhole ( Cuon alpinus ) Africa & Middle East: Blanford's fox ( Vulpes cana ) Grey wolf ( Canis lupus ) South America: Bush dog ( Speothos venaticus ) Darwin’s fox (Pseudalopex fulvipes) Maned wolf ( Chrysocyon brachyurus )