Packs of wild dogs vary in size and we are very fortunate here at Londolozi to see several different packs. Today I want to focus on quite an interesting pack. Over the the last little while, we’ve had occasional sightings of a pack of two wild dogs, they seem to be frequenting the northern parts of the reserve. These two seem to have been moving together for a little while now, hunting together and relying on each other quite a lot. With them being around it has allowed for some incredible viewing and with what is potentially to come there has been great curiosity amongst guides, trackers and guests.
The male from the current pack of two.
African wild dogs typically operate in larger packs with complex social structures. Seeing just a duo raises questions: Are they remnants of a once larger pack? Or perhaps young adults seeking to establish a new territory? The dynamics of wild dog behaviour are intricate, and such pairings, while uncommon, do occur.
Wild Dogs on the airstrip at sunset.
Although not one hundred per cent clear I believe the make-up of this pack is the last remaining male from the pack of three that denned on Londolozi last year. Unfortunately, he was left by himself after the female and other male were killed last year. The female that we assume he has linked up with is a female from the Toulon Pack which was the pack of seven that ended up ‘stealing’ the pups from the pack of three. It’s all fascinating how it works, Sean Zeederburg wrote a blog on the interesting behaviour that took place between the two packs last year!
Two of the three wild dog pups were born to the pack of three and later ‘adopted by the Toulon pack of seven.
With that being said it’s an extremely exciting time to follow wild dogs as their denning season is quickly approaching, and this pair’s movements become particularly intriguing. Female wild dogs seek out safe and secluded spots to give birth and raise their pups during this time, typically seeking out uninhabited termite mounds. The choice of a den is crucial, offering protection from predators and the elements. Given the duo’s recent patterns, it’s possible they’re scouting for a suitable denning site within Londolozi.
Denning is a vulnerable period for wild dogs. Typically, the alpha female remains in the den with the pups, while other pack members hunt and provide food. In the case of our observed pair, the responsibility would fall heavily on the male to hunt and feed both the female and the potential pups. This dynamic presents challenges, but wild dogs are known for their adaptability and cooperative nature.
There’s a lot in store for the pack of two over the next couple of months. With May around the corner and the denning period fast approaching. We are holding our thumbs they will be successful.
As I mentioned it’s going to be a rather difficult time for these two dogs and hopefully, they can increase the size of the pack. Females typically have between 7-10 pups at a time with some females being recorded to have up to 20. The pack will most likely time their denning period with the end of the impala rutting season in the hope that the male impalas will be worn out and the senses may be lacking a little, making hunting slightly easier for this lone male. With the rutting season just around the corner in May, we hope they decide to den on Londolozi. In the meantime I’m sure they are out and about seeking a good spot to den their potential pups. For now, we watch and wait, hopeful for the arrival of new members to the pack of 2.
Exciting news. Was wondering ,what happened to the remaining dogs,after their pups had been stolen. Really hope,that these two will be successful. At the same time. How many dogs left in the Toulon pack? They seem to have lost a few members.
This is indeed interesting news, Ross.
I hope like everyone at Londolozi, I suppose, that these two will den at Londolozi and will be able to raise the pups.
By the way, do you know whether the adopted pups are still with their adopted pack?
I wonder whether the Toulon Pack might kind of steal the pups, if there will be any, of these two dogs as well.
I am looking forward to hearing more about this small pack.
Ross, Thanks for the update! We are amazed at the way you have figured out who they may be. It sounds possible and probable, and we hope you are right that they may be looking for a den at Londolozi!
Thank you, Ross. This was a very informative article. We’re rooting for these two. Seeing the wild dogs was one of our favorite experiences at Londolozi — almost as entertaining as your expert guitar and singing skills! 🙂 Please keep us posted!
Hi Ross your theory of who these two dogs are makes sense to me. Let’s hope they do come and den on Londolozi ground. The Toulan Pack was on Londolozi just the other day again.
So great! The one animal we missed seeing last safari! Can’t wait to come back to see them!
Great news Ross! It’s good to learn that the remaining male of the pack of three has found a female partner so hopefully they will be able to den pups in a few months. It would be better for this little pack to add another male but most likely it would depend on what other pack has a dog that is ready to move. I’ll be watching for future updates.