Wild dog
The Wild Dog is considered as one of Africa’s most endangered species with several reasons given for the decline in their population; the main reason, though, seems to be persecution from humans.
Because they are not really common in any part of the world, the Kruger National Park is considered a sanctuary for them. Visitors to the park are likely to spot a wild dog in its preferred habitats of scrub savannahs and other lightly wooded areas, but despite their relation to domesticated dogs, visitors are reminded to be vigilant at all times in their presence as they are carnivorous.
Females usually give birth to about 10 newborns at a time after a gestation period of 70 days, with the pups born in an abandoned den usually dug by other animals. The pups are weaned around 10 weeks after their births and are able to attack and kill prey at the age of 8 months; it is only though when they reach the age of 14 months when they can defend themselves effectively. Wild dogs tend to hunt in packs and because it is a cursorial hunter – like other members of the dog family – a wild dog usually pursues its prey in a long chase, with 80% of these hunts usually ending in a kill. After a successful hunt, the dogs will regurgitate their meat and feed the females and pups left in the den, as well as the sick, injured or very old members amongst them.
Visitors to the Kruger Park might be lucky enough to witness juvenile wild dogs interacting playfully with each other in one of their dens. However, fighting between these animals is quite rare because their pack lives are seemingly harmonious. Unfortunately a lack of genetic variability in their population at the Kruger Park has resulted in inbreeding between wild dogs.