The Wild Dog of Africa, Mbwa Mwitu in Swahili, is described as being highly intelligent with strong social characteristics. Despite being a most successful predator it has become an endangered species. Its only predator is Man!
Africans long regarded the wild dog as a pest. Their cattle were easy prey to the dogs so their raids caused considerable losses.
They were hunted almost to extinction. Fortunately for them their value in culling the weak and sickly from wild animal populations has been recognised. Better ways of protecting livestock have been introduced and the wild dog population is showing signs of recovery.
This is particularly evident in Zimbabwe. The protection the state has put in place for the Mbwa Mwitu species has resulted in the species thriving better there than anywhere else.
The Wild Dog of Africa stands 30 inches (750mm) high at the shoulder, tipping the scales at about 55 to 70lbs (24.75 to 31.5 kilos). It lives for about 10 to 12 years, given the chance. It lives in both dense forest or jungle and wide open plains and anywhere in between.
It is has long legs and noticeably large ears which stand erect on its head. It has the powerful jaws of a ferocious carnivore. Though it looks not unlike some more familiar dogs, one curious difference is in the paws. Most dogs have five toes to each paw. The African Wild Dog only has four.
The dark brown coat has black and yellow patches which differ between individuals making them easy to tell apart in a pack. The scientific name for the species in Latin, “Lycaon pictus,” translates as “painted wolf,” which is what it looks like, although it is a dog, not a wolf. The tail is bushy with a white tip, thought to be a visual aid in keeping together.
A pack comprises six or more dogs and their social behaviour is unusual. Before hunting expeditions, there is a ritual. The dogs all circulate among the pack touching each other and making a special sound. This seems to create excitement as though the pack members are egging each other on to do valiant deeds!
Once prey is sighted it seldom escapes, so efficient is the wild dogs’ hunting technique. Speed rarely saves it, these dogs can reach speeds of 35mph. As the leading dogs tire, they drop back and fresher companions take over the lead, so keeping up the pressure until exhaustion overcomes the victim.
The kill is shared amicably; the pack hierarchy does not seem to involve any intimidation, unlike most pack animals. When pups are present they are allowed to feed first. Indeed the care and upbringing of pups seems to be a task shared by the whole pack.
Ruthless killers like all predators, nevertheless these fascinating canines have their more endearing features. A more in-depth study would prove quite rewarding.
Africans long regarded the wild dog as a pest. Their cattle were easy prey to the dogs so their raids caused considerable losses.
They were hunted almost to extinction. Fortunately for them their value in culling the weak and sickly from wild animal populations has been recognised. Better ways of protecting livestock have been introduced and the wild dog population is showing signs of recovery.
This is particularly evident in Zimbabwe. The protection the state has put in place for the Mbwa Mwitu species has resulted in the species thriving better there than anywhere else.
The Wild Dog of Africa stands 30 inches (750mm) high at the shoulder, tipping the scales at about 55 to 70lbs (24.75 to 31.5 kilos). It lives for about 10 to 12 years, given the chance. It lives in both dense forest or jungle and wide open plains and anywhere in between.
It is has long legs and noticeably large ears which stand erect on its head. It has the powerful jaws of a ferocious carnivore. Though it looks not unlike some more familiar dogs, one curious difference is in the paws. Most dogs have five toes to each paw. The African Wild Dog only has four.
The dark brown coat has black and yellow patches which differ between individuals making them easy to tell apart in a pack. The scientific name for the species in Latin, “Lycaon pictus,” translates as “painted wolf,” which is what it looks like, although it is a dog, not a wolf. The tail is bushy with a white tip, thought to be a visual aid in keeping together.
A pack comprises six or more dogs and their social behaviour is unusual. Before hunting expeditions, there is a ritual. The dogs all circulate among the pack touching each other and making a special sound. This seems to create excitement as though the pack members are egging each other on to do valiant deeds!
Once prey is sighted it seldom escapes, so efficient is the wild dogs’ hunting technique. Speed rarely saves it, these dogs can reach speeds of 35mph. As the leading dogs tire, they drop back and fresher companions take over the lead, so keeping up the pressure until exhaustion overcomes the victim.
The kill is shared amicably; the pack hierarchy does not seem to involve any intimidation, unlike most pack animals. When pups are present they are allowed to feed first. Indeed the care and upbringing of pups seems to be a task shared by the whole pack.
Ruthless killers like all predators, nevertheless these fascinating canines have their more endearing features. A more in-depth study would prove quite rewarding.