The African Wild Dog (Lycaon Pictus) is about the size and weight of an Alsatian dog, with large round ears, a deep muscular chest, a rather large head with a strong jaw and a unique pattern of coloring for each dog. They have four, not five toes on each foot and in this they differ from true dogs and wolves. Their large ears gives them their character but also contributes to their acute sense of hearing.
The species is not highly regarded by humans and this has resulted in a decline in the wild to around 5000 animals in about 25 African countries, from the time that populations of Wild Dogs exceeded 500,000 individuals in approximately 39 African countries. Conservationists are fighting for its survival and the species is now on the endangered list. Packs have been introduced into several game parks in Southern Africa and these packs are carefully monitored. Aside from humans, who are responsible for nearly exterminating the species altogether, lions are the natural enemy of the wild dog. Lions will not eat them but will kill them if they can or steal their hard-won kill, which can result in members of the pack weakening or dying from hunger.
Hunting Method of the African Wild Dog
These rare, beautiful animals have enormous courage, energy, stamina and tenacity when hunting. They co-operate as an organized pack - singling out a weak or injured animal which they pursue until it tires. The prey is quickly killed with their powerful jaws and consumed on the spot, after which they will regurgitate food for pups and adults who have stayed behind to guard a litter of pups - or even those members who have not had their fill. The young of the larger antelope species as well as antelope such as Impala, Grey Duiker and Steenbok are favorite items on the menu.
Breeding Pattern and Social Structure
Packs can consist of up to 25 individuals. The dogs have a highly complex social system, within which related adult members cooperate to produce a single litter of pups annually. Most populations have more males than females and it is very unusual among mammals to have this kind of gender bias. Usually around 14 pups are born and the entire pack co-operate to bond with, raise and feed the pups. It is probable that this bonding process makes them more cohesive and efficient as adults. They are extremely family orientated and affectionate, although periodic fall-outs have been observed. The young will join in the hunt soon after their first birthday. Before this, they are brought up in an underground den, usually a den originally burrowed by a warthog and then taken over and enlarged by the dogs.
These days wild dogs are seen as playing an important role in the wild, that of 'weeding out' sick, weak or older animals in a herd. Hopefully the movements that are under way to secure the survival of this fascinating animal will continue so that they will no longer be on the endangered list in the future.
References:
- SANParks, South Africa
- The Department of Biodiversity & Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
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