Remember those “awww” inspiring photographs of wild dogs and their tiny pups that had occupied a den site near Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp? That’s right, how could you forget? The pack has returned numerous times – once they even made a kill inside Africa on Foot grounds after an impala fell into their trap – and on Wednesday we found them on our turf once again. Delighted guests enjoyed the opportunity to view some of Africa’s most endangered predators, and what’s more is they were on the hunt!
This small pack of dogs has provided much entertainment, starting with when they introduced their 2 pups to us back in July. On Wednesday afternoon, Greg bumped into the group of 7 enjoying a shady spot under a tree, waiting out the heat of the day before hunting in the evening. These rare animals are very social, and they are some of the few carnivores that look after the members in their group, while lions will hunt as a team, but when it comes to feeding, it’s each to their own. Wild dogs rely on the strength of a pack, so they will make sure that every dog gets fed and stays healthy.
After viewing the dogs unsuccessfully attempt to hunt an impala and then settle down to drink, the guests moved off in search whatever else the Klaserie had on offer that day. Elephants, buffalo, and plenty of baby antelope! It’s ‘dropping season’ in the bush, and all over southern Africa the rains have produced green grass and a suitable environment for grazers to welcome their youngsters into the world. The unsteady, young impala lambs are easy targets for predators, so the bush is an exciting place to be for those of us wanting to see nature at work.
Later on in the game drive, Africa on Foot guests struck it lucky once again when the wild dogs came running into sight as they charged after one of those baby impala. This time they were successful and the lamb didn’t last very long as the 7 dogs tore into their meal. Out of those 2 tiny pups we saw in July, only one seems to have survived, and at 5 months old he is growing into a handsome young dog.
It’s safe to say we probably won’t see the dogs again this week, as they don’t occupy territories and are constantly on the move, but they will loop back in the future, as this is clearly part of their home range!
Sabrina
Talisin