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Long Legs

August 16th, 2008 admin No comments

Long Legs

The Long-Legged Dogs On Patrol

This week we James, Michael and Simon are at it again, featuring the African wild dog, Lycaon Pictus. Before a long start, it's imperative to note that these are highly endangered species, with only a few being lucky to see them roaming in Samburu reserve. Actually few persons are able to see them, and its sheer luck.Lycaon Pictus in Greek is 'Wolf' and Pictus is Latin for 'painted'.

Unlike other members of the canid family, they have four toes in the front legs, while the rest of the canids have five. This medium sized 'wolf' canid member is found only in Africa, and the only species is the Lycaon. What is most interesting in this species is that wild dogs live in packs and are mostly on the move all the time, thus making it a bit hard to track them all the time. Which on one hand and most important is that we humans are very good at destroying the beauty of nature, because we want to get the best close-ups, destroying habitats.

Also interesting is how they hunt, whereby the pack hunts a live prey and start eating it while alive and moving, which for many of us, even after seeing it several times, is a hard thing to comprehend. Their prey is varied also. They can hunt small and big antelopes including elands and buffalos. In addition, they do take birds occasionally. But their survival is much more important than our thoughts.

The current pack being viewed in Samburu last few months had 11 pups, and the total counted in the pack is 19 individuals. They reproduce all year round, but mating peaks are in March and June, with 12-14 months gap between births. The fact that they live in packs helps in protecting each other and no one is left behind. Except young puppies, alpha female with the puppies and the old that are left in hidden dens, usually left over holes by aardvarks after digging out termites. The puppies start being on the 'run' with the rest of the pack after 3 months. (After successful hunting the pack members regurgitate food back in the dent to the puppies, and alpha female watching them).

Unlike most other 'pack-species', there are two hierarchical systems with a family of the wild dog. The female hierarchy and the male one. The oldest female is the Alpha female, while with the male it can be either the father or a younger male, and determination of dominance of the alpha male is simply submission. It is sometimes hard to differentiate a mature male and mature female as there is little sexual dimorphism, but in general males are about 3-7%, and mostly hard to tell from distance or seeing them for the first time. The home range or territory varies according to group size and terrain, and most preferred is deciduous-tree ranges because of both prey abundance and dinning sites.

The current sightings in Samburu are one that many have not yet been luck to see. It's really heart warming to see these highly endangered long-legged dogs on patrol, but remember to always respect their territory: do not drive off-road.

About the Author

Philip is the operator of Natural Track Safaris, a Kenya based nature Safari Company catering for family outdoor adventures, camping and overland safaris. For more safari information visit http://www.natural-track.com