African wild dogs are social carnivores, renowned for their cooperative hunting behaviour. However, as this footage shows, they are equally adept at hunting alone.
Goabaone Lunga sent this somewhat gruesome footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed it while leading a game drive in Botswana’s Chobe National Park.
An uncomfortable sight
As we join the action in Goabaone’s video, we’re met by an uncomfortable sight. An African wild dog has clamped its jaws on the muzzle of an impala ram.
Although the antelope weighs roughly twice the weight of the dog, the dog’s fearsome grip keeps it from escaping. Impalas are incredibly numerous across Africa’s wild areas, and feature heavily in the diet of wild dogs.
Brutal killing technique
Naturally, the antelope struggles to free itself, but the dog’s grip holds firm. As it is covering the impala’s nostrils, it is probably restricting the antelope’s air supply.
However, it is worth noting that, unlike the big cats, wild dogs do not use asphyxiation to kill their prey. Their killing method is decidedly more “brutal”.
Bloodied hindquarters
As the pair wrestles, we catch a glimpse of the impala’s bloodied hindquarters. This injury is typical of the dog’s usual killing method.
When hunting, wild dogs chase their prey, delivering numerous bites while on the move. Eventual blood loss weakens the animal, causing it to collapse.
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Starting to weaken
Despite what looks like a severe injury, the impala ram somehow manages to stay upright. Where cats would now move in to throttle their prey, the dog tries to wrestle it off balance.
Eventually, the combination of blood loss and exhaustion takes its toll. As the dog pushes it backwards, the ram loses its footing and momentarily collapses.
However, its will to survive is still evident. Showing tremendous determination, the ram struggles back onto all fours.
Meanwhile, the dog senses that the end may be near. Having come so far, it is not about to let go or show mercy.
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Down and out
A few moments later, the dog once again manages to push the impala off balance. This time, however, it feels different as the antelope’s legs give way.
By this stage, it is obvious that the antelope is in a deep state of shock. This, combined with its injuries and exhaustion, means the end is near.
Specialized teeth
Sensing that it has won the battle, the dog shows no mercy. No sooner has the impala collapsed than it dives towards its soft underbelly.
As medium-sized predators, wild dogs occasionally lose their kills to lions and hyenas. To mitigate this risk, they have evolved teeth specifically designed to eat quickly.
Accordingly, it takes just a few seconds for the dog to rip open the impala’s belly. A set of 42 interlocking, serrated teeth slices through tissue that is rapidly consumed.
It is hard not to feel sorry for the impala. However, knowing that this meal will contribute to the survival of the endangered wild dog population does bring hope.