Wild dogs are one of those incredible animals that bring about so much excitement amongst all the rangers and trackers. When they are on the property which varies in its frequency, we all want to get across and see them. One of the packs of wild dogs that we see comes from the south and has 20 dogs in it. It is known as the Toulon Pack. The majority of their home range is beyond the borders of Londolozi, however, in recent weeks they have been found all over the central and northern parts of Londolozi.
These two wild dogs played with each other for a good five minutes as they chased each other around.
Knowing they were on Londolozi from the evening before, we set off early in the morning hoping ot find them, but due to the full moon they had already moved on and left our search fruitless. The following morning while getting ready to set out on the drive we could hear hyenas close to camp fighting with each other. Rangers Matt Rochford, Tayla Brown, and myself set off to find out what all the commotion was about.
Soon into the search we found about five very full-bellied hyenas finishing off the remains of an impala kill. This carcass was likely stolen from another predator, or predators. It didn’t take long before Matt found tracks of the wild dogs on a road nearby which meant they had to still be close by. Knowing how fast these animals move the three of us were furiously trying to catch up with them and retrace their movements.
One of the wild dogs chased after another to try and steal part of the kill
After doing many circles around the area we were delighted to hear that Tayla had found them playing in the open clearing. This pack has many youngsters and their youthfulness was incredible to witness as they chased after each other, biting each other’s tails and finding sticks, and running off after each other.
Four wild dogs fighting over the same stick as they ran around after each other.
After some time two wild dogs climbed on a termite mound to scan their surroundings as their last kill had been stolen by hyenas.
After scanning the surroundings this wild dog sat on the termite mound as he watched the others playing below him
Soon the alpha female headed off and the rest followed as did we too. In the distance on the next crest about 10 of them had their tails up and squealing- which at first I thought they had killed something and were all feeding.
Until we got closer and realized they were furiously digging. With sand going everywhere we realized they had smelt something and were trying to dig it up. After some time some of the other wild dogs lost interest while others continued taking turns digging.
It was interesting to see how some of the younger wild dogs did not give up digging and took turns as they alternated their digging. You can also see one of the dogs to the left of the frame had been covered in sand from the digging.
Suddenly, a scrub hare erupted from the burrow and unfortunately dashed toward the other wild dogs who were scattered around. Within minutes this scrub hare was eaten and the wild dogs scrambled around to try and get their share of the meal.
The pack tried to find any part left of the scrub hare as they whined and nuzzled each other
The warmth of the sun began to set in and the wild dogs eventually found refuge in some nearby shade where they spent the afternoon. It is always an exciting time to see these endangered species on the reserve and more so this pack who we don’t get to see that often. Let’s hope we continue to view these incredible dogs and with time watch this pack grow.
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Great news that this pack has found their way back to Londolozi.
I hope that they will stay a bit so that I might see them in a few weeks time.
Looking forward to it and all the other animals at Londolozi.
How exciting to see this pack of wild dogs again. They’re so amazing to watch while actively hunting, but also during break time when you can observe how social they are. I was surprised to read that they had potentially lost a kill to hyenas as I would have thought their numbers would overpower the hyena clan. Just illustrates how one can’t make assumptions with the animal world….
Love the blog, Kirst! The wild dogs are exciting to find and chase as they move across the reserve. Is this the pack that has all the collared dogs?
So fantastic to see the wild dogs Kirst. They are so playful and it is always a highlight to see these wild dogs, quite a large pack, full of energy and shame felt sorry for the poor hare that was eaten up so quickly. If I remember correctly Ranger Jess loves the wild dogs as well and it is her favorite animal.
We had a wonderful encounter with these dons They were just hanging out some playing around. An inquisitive hyena came up to one of the dogs (who was on a rock right next to our truck). They sniffed each other like dog would do. They actually touched noses The hyena went over to a different dog who wasn’t as inviting.
I LOVE these dogs Kirst!! Such great images capturing the energy, and do I dare say, joy!!
We missed them when we were there! Happy that they are healthy and providing excitement now!!!
Thanks for the update on the wild dogs Kirst. I hope they can be view more in the future.