It has been quite a treat lately when it comes to wild dogs. The difficulty of finding and observing them is almost immeasurable. Wild dogs are the rarest carnivores in Southern Africa, with a population of only around 400 individuals in the Greater Kruger National Park. With such low numbers, sightings are incredibly special, and every encounter with these beautiful animals feels like a true privilege.
Wild dogs typically den during the winter months (predominantly May through August). This makes them even more difficult to see during this period, especially if they are not denning on the reserve. What has been particularly promising, however, is that a pack of two has been spending a significant amount of time in the southern parts of the reserve, often frequenting the area around our airstrip. This consistency in movement offers a glimmer of hope and excitement for what may lie ahead.
What we now have to consider is whether this pair will choose to den on Londolozi as winter approaches, and whether they will be able to raise pups successfully to help re-establish a healthy pack. In all honesty, I have never seen such a small pack succeed in the long term. However, as I head into only my third winter here at Londolozi, there is always the possibility of witnessing something new and unexpected in the bush.
Importantly, the pair consists of one male and one female, which is a crucial starting point. Historically, there have also been several denning sites in the southern parts of Londolozi, suggesting that suitable habitat is available. These factors combined provide a foundation, however, small for potential success.
One of the main challenges to the pack’s success is the hunting dynamic during denning. When the adults go out to hunt, not only to feed themselves but also to return and regurgitate food for the pups, and the one individual that has remained behind at the den site to guard them. This effectively means that a single wild dog, most likely the male, will need to carry out the majority of the hunting to support the female and the litter.
Litter sizes can vary significantly, ranging from as few as four pups to as many as sixteen. A larger litter naturally increases the pressure on the hunting adult, making survival more difficult. However, it also raises the potential for a stronger resurgence of the pack if enough pups make it to maturity.
We have also witnessed remarkable events in the past, such as in 2024 when one pack adopted (or even stole) another pack’s pups. Stories like these bring a sense of hope and anticipation. Perhaps we may once again witness something extraordinary unfold, maybe even the early stages of a pack’s resurgence into a thriving and healthy population.
All fingers and toes crossed. On my last day at Londolozi some ears ago I saw a Wild Dog hunt from start to finish , amazing , bloody and awe inspiring.
I do hope they are successful in raising a litter, regardless of where they choose to den (although on Londolozi is preferable, of course). Is this the same male from pack of two that we’ve been following for a few years? I seem to remember the female was killed after her pups were stolen (correct me if I’m confusing them).
Hi Den, they have been unheard of for a while, while other pack seems to thrive. It is nature and nature has her own reasons for some things to happen, but, stolen puppies that was a bit of a nasty move from the larger pack. They surely had their natural explanation, such as the alpha female infertility for example. It was said that one male was severely wounded. Now they are together and keep up. Sometimes things go better than we expect…. maybe a wandering female will join them? We’ll wait and see…. sixteen puppies in a litter are a lot for such a small pack ….
Thanks for this update Dean about the pack of two Wild Dogs. Let’s hope she successfully mates and births puppies this winter, growing their family. During my stay this next week, maybe we will be able to see them or another pack. Always a favorite to watch.
Hi Dean, I remember the time that the one pack stole the pups from the other pack. For now it is going to be difficult for the male to hunt and come and feed the female. Once the puppies are there it will be even more difficult because it is only him hunting and he has to feed the female and the puppies then. Well let’s hope they den on Londolozi so that we can view them from start to finish.
oh I hope they stick around!!!
It would be so exciting for you if the dogs would den at Londolozi. The puppies are just so cute and nice to watch them. I‘ll keep my fingers crossed that they den at Londolozi and that they will be successful