The African wild dog, (Lycaon pictus) is a canid found only in Africa, Also called the hunting dog, is a vanishing species in Africa. Field studies have shown that the wild dog is a highly intelligent and social animal. Wild dogs live in packs of six to 20. If the pack numbers fall below six, hunting efficiency is eroded. The dogs have a peculiar rather playful ceremony that bonds them for a common purpose and initiates each hunt. They start circulating among the other pack members, vocalizing and touching until they get excited and are ready to hunt. They start the hunt in an organized, cooperative manner. When prey is targeted, some of the dogs run close to the animal, while others follow behind, taking over when the leader tired. They can run long distances, at speeds up to about 35 miles per hour. Of the large carnivores, wild dogs are the most efficient hunters – targeted prey rarely escapes. They tear the flesh until the animal falls, consuming even if it is still alive. This behaviour may prejudice people against them, although in reality it may be no worse than the prolonged kills of other carnivores. Apart from its undeniable bloodiness, the remarkable aspect of the their hunting is the complete lack of aggression toward each other. Wild dogs have a social hierarchy but unlike many other social animals, there is little obvious intimidation.Like most predators, They play an important role in eliminating sick and weak animals, thereby helping maintain a natural balance and ultimately improving prey species.
Posted on: Sat, 07 Jun 2014 19:44:02 +0000