The African wild dog is a skilled predator which sits on the brink of extinction. While known as one of the most efficient hunters of the savannah, the current population of this social mammal is less than 5,500. Furthermore, it is extinct in the regions of North and West Africa where they used to thrive. The laws of evolution count for little in ensuring the survival of the wild dog. Instead the laws of economics dictate much of the conservation efforts. And it has been an uphill battle for several reasons.

Family Structure

Careful observations have revealed the complexity of this intelligent species of canid. wild dogs live in a nomadic family pack, made up by a monogamous dominant breeding pair. Unlike most mammals, the inter-pack transference takes place through female emigration. Male pack members are all related as the male does not emigrate. A pack forms when a band of brothers joins a group of related females which has left its natal group to form its own. These females join an unrelated male pack absent of adult females for breeding.

In most packs, the number of males is usually twice that of females; of this a dominant pair breed. The entire pack cares for the offspring. By chanelling resources to these select few, this unique family structure gives the pups a better chance of survival.

The Painted Wolf

Once, the wild dogs roamed throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Although infectious diseases may have been the downfall of many wild dogs, it is human conflict which has caused the greatest damage. Its Latin name, Lycaon Pictus translates to “painted wolf”. The reputation of these wild dogs is like that of wolves and they suffer the same human prejudice of being cruel and ruthless.

The hunting behaviour of this African mammal leaves many with that view. During a kill, the wild dog tears apart its prey while its still alive. Their reputation was so bad that state policy branded them as pests. So the dogs faced persecution, even in protected areas, until 1979. It takes time for prejudices to die and victimisation of these “outlaws” persists to this day.

The Fight For Space

This animal lives and hunts in a pack of between 2 and 50. The African wild dog is an endurance hunter and travels as far as 25 miles a day in search of prey. This need for space often comes into conflict with the interest of human settlers. Ranchers do not hesitate to shoot, snare or poison the wild dogs in the name of protecting their livestock.

Both the wild dog’s wandering lifestyle and human encroachment of their habitat complicate conservation work. Preservation efforts need vast protected areas which are few and far between. Now there are laws against the killing of these animals in protected areas. Yet, the wild dogs face persecution when found trespassing in human settlements. There still exists an unenthusiastic view of these carnivores. Many blame the destruction of property and excessive killing of prey to the presence of these social mammals.

The Law That Governs

No bigger than a large domestic dog, this species of canid is the most efficient hunter of the savannah with an 80% success rate with every hunt. By comparison, African lions enjoy a 30% success rate. The wild dog is a communal and strategic hunter, preying on what is most plausible rather than on a desired prey. Together they use methods of distraction and deception to outwit their kill. Bigger prey fall victim as they find themselves outnumbered. Smaller stealthier animals succumb to the wild dog’s persistent endurance and unrelenting pursuit. At its best, an African wild dog can maintain speeds of 40 miles an hour for a blistering 4 miles. They compensate for their lack of speed by their capacity for stamina and endurance which usually spells victory for the pack during a kill.

Despite the numbers in a hunting pack, there is no aggression between members during a feed. The African wild dog is the only carnivorous species which allows its juvenile hunters to feed first. This is different to other carnivores which dominate the young over rights to the kill. Unique amongst social carnivores, the wild dog renders care to their sick and injured. By contrast, African lions leave their sick behind as a liability.

Hunting members regurgitate food which are then fed to the old, young and injured who are unable to hunt. These elite hunters prove great empathy and social cohesion within their pack family. Recognising that strength in numbers serves them best in the fight for survival.

Human Wildlife Conflict

The laws of evolution support the survival of the fittest. The African wild dogs own both hunting and social skills which should see them thriving. Yet, the changing plains of the savannah have brought about a new law. The law of economics. Unwilling game managers and farmers face potential burdens that come with the presence of the wild dogs on their premises. As a result, they can hinder conservation efforts to progress.

African Wild Dog Conservation

Conservation efforts towards these intelligent social animals have had some achievements. Several national parks have enjoyed successful breeding in their respective wild dog population. There are continuing endeavours to change the negative mindsets towards these remarkable mammals. Behaviour change takes time though and time is not on the side of many endangered mammals in Africa.

Author: Reehana Shihab

Editor: Tim Plowden