Wild Dog
wildlife of Namibia
Introduction - The Wild Dog is one of Africa's most endangered mammal species. Various factors contribute to this poor conservation status. The main contributory factor to the decline in population numbers is persecution by mankind, until recently even within conservation areas. Other factors are diseases like rabies and distemper where Wild Dogs came in contact with domestic animals. the Wild Dog is a highly sociable animal and lives in packs of between 12 - 20 dogs although groups sizes can be as large as 40.
Wild Dogs hunt in packs, and all individuals collaborate in a team effort to chase and wear out pursued prey to exhaustion. Once brought to a standstill, the prey is killed by all the dogs tearing it apart.
Wild dogs are considered to be Namibia's most endangered mammal species and continue to be widely persecuted in all but the most unpopulated areas. Although African Wild Dogs used to roam over most of the country today they can only be found in the northeastern sections of Namibia - in the Khaudum Park, Kavango and Caprivi.
Diet - Small antelope are the Wild Dogs preferred prey but packs can kill large buffaloes.
Colouring - Blotched black, yellow and white coat
Breeding - Gestation period of 70 days, only the dominant pair (alpha pair) breed in a Wild Dog pack.
Size - a member of the dog family the wild dog measures 750mm at the shoulders. Males are slightly larger than females and weigh 20-30 Kg
