The khoikhoi called them “Gnou” after their unusual sound; the Afrikaners called them Wildebeest, or “Wild Beast,” for the menacing appearance presented by its large head, shaggy mane, pointed beard, and sharp, curved horns. They roam over much of the African grasslands, open plains and dry woodlands. Here at Londolozi they are a characteristic species of this beautiful reserve. Throughout Africa they battle in the game of survivial; competing with lions, hyenas and of course the most explosive of all…the African Wild Dog.
A Wildebeest calf sticks close to her mother and the protection of the herd - Adam Bannister
The African Wild Dog, also called the Hunting Dog, is a vanishing species with numbers dwindling all the time. These highly social and very intelligent animals are ferocious predators and thought by many to be the most efficient and successful hunter in the bushveld. They hunt in a pack using speed and endurance to tire out and then kill their prey. Although Impala, duiker and bushbuck are usually more in their target range, in terms of size of prey, they are fully capable of killing larger animals.
Blood stained face after a successful hunt - Adam Bannister
As a Game Ranger there is nothing more exciting then a pack of Wild Dogs running though the wilderness. It tests your knowledge of the pack itself, the individuals within the pack, the characteristics of the prey, the vegetation, your knowledge of the roads together with your driving capabilities. All in all it has the ingredients for an unforgettable experience…
What is fascinating to watch is what happens when the Wild Dogs come across a herd of Wild beasts. A Wildebeest calf is well within the hunting capabilities of a sizable pack of dogs, so too is possibly a young cow; a bull on the other hand is a little tough for the Hunting Dogs. I have been lucky enough to watch the scenes unfold as the dogs try to isolate the youngsters in the herd only to be driven off by the very brave larger members. It makes for an intriguing couple of minutes.
Last year December I was treated to an amazing stand off between the same pack of Wild Dogs and a herd of Wildebeest. At first the Wild Dogs looked like they may have had the upper hand and were seen trying to separate the youngsters from the herd, driving the male off. - Adam Bannister
Both the Wild Dogs and the Wildebeest seemed out of their own league at times. - Adam Bannister
The Wild Dogs lost the advantage and were driven away by the lead territorial male of the herd of Wildebeest. It was incredible to watch the bravery of the bull as he chased off the entire pack - Adam Bannister
Written, photographed and filmed by Adam Bannister
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Adam, if they are such good hunters, and produce large litters, what is threatening them so severely as a species? Are they prone to disease? or in need of larger hunting grounds?
Great video, the Wildebeest are so “light on their feet” they almost dance!
Hello Sheena…sadly outside of protected areas Wild Dogs have a tendency to be shot, trapped and poisoned due to their ability to hunt domestic stock. Inside of protected areas they are taken out by lion and hyena. They also need huge areas of land to move around in and you are indeed correct about the disease issue. They are prone to mange, canine distemper and rabies.
Thanks Adam, they have such a raw beauty, its good to learn more about them.
That is just amazing. Those Wildebeest really stand together in a united front. And agreeing with Shena, its wonderful to see more blogs about the Wild Dogs – they are so distinctly beautiful and unique. So sad that it is their ultimate skill: their hunting prowess, that gets their species in most of its trouble. And the fact that they are prone to disease – heightened by the fact that they have poor hygiene and grooming habits?
Congratulations Adam for this series . Amazing hey ! I know how difficult it is to get these action shots of dogs running like this. Always nice to get such photo opportunity, especially in the green like this !
I’m fascinated by W Dogs. Check-out my web site to see some of my dogs’ pics (but from Botswana).
Kind Regards
Chris
Some people get to see so much, Wonderful!
I’ve only really seen them at De Wildt where they are bred for re-introduction into the wild.
We live in a housing Estate called Raptors View, 1km from Hoedspruit. Wild dogs moved in over a year ago. The estate is only 1000ha but they are quite happy here. There is only plains game with the odd leopard. We opened the gates and let them move onto a larger neighboring reserve a while ago becuase they were having a big impact on the female Nyala. But they are back. Last night my two boys and I watched them on the hunt as they looked for some game and then got into full chase on a duicker. It’s great to live amount wild dog knowling they have choosen this reserve as a safe haven.
Rob that is wonderful news. I really smiled when I read your message. I have not heard of Raptors view but it must be wonderful. It’s very exciting to know that the dogs are still managing in some areas; and like your story suggests some of these areas are quite unexpected! Thanks for the comment
This pack seen here on Londolozi has had a really tough time over the last few years.
currently containing 9 dogs. Some of the adult males joined the pack in 2010 from
Lower Sabie Within Kruger National Park. If you are interested in updates of Wild Dog
In Greater KNP follow KNPWildDogs on twitter
This is amazing,its good to watch them chasing each other.