In this footage, two of Africa’s most iconic endangered species interact. The video shows us that we can resolve differences without conflict.
Greeting ceremony
African wild dogs, lions, and hyenas rank among Africa’s social predators. Wild dog packs are highly cooperative, with each member playing a part in ensuring the group’s survival.
As the video begins, we see the pack reuniting as the members return from a successful hunt. The pack comprises adults and several sub-adults.
Consequently, they greet one another with raised tails and excited twittering. Those left behind nudge the hunters’ muzzles, urging them to regurgitate meat.
This sharing behaviour is just one of many characteristics that highlight how social and caring these once-maligned creatures are.
Intruder alert
As the pack begins to settle, a massive presence emerges from the surrounding bush. It is a white, or wide-lipped rhino.
Like wild dogs, rhinos are among the continent’s most endangered large mammals. So, to see the two species at once is a very special occasion.
Even as the rhino walks onto the road, the dogs barely take notice. Fully-grown rhinos are too big for even these voracious predators to tackle.
Short-sighted giant
Subsequently, as the dogs rest on the road, the rhino walks towards them. Rhinos have notoriously poor eyesight, so at this point, it might not even be aware of their presence.
Additionally, we note that conservation officials cut off the rhino’s horn, and a relatively short stub has regrown. Authorities will repeat this dehorning procedure periodically throughout its life to deter poaching.
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Too close for comfort
As the myopic intruder approaches, the dogs begin to shuffle nervously. The larger animal is starting to encroach on their comfort zone.
Animals use comfort zones to maintain a safe flight distance between themselves and potential threats. When this imaginary zone is encroached on, animals respond by either freezing, fleeing, or fighting.
Accordingly, when the rhino continues its approach, the dogs get up and scatter in deference to its larger size.
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Motion detected
As the dogs move, the rhino finally becomes aware of their presence. Immediately, it goes on alert.
While rhinos have poor eyesight, their hearing and sense of smell are excellent. Consequently, it employs these as it decides its next move.
Aside from its own senses, the rhino also has an onboard early-warning system. On its back, there are several oxpeckers.
They act as the rhino’s eyes and would fly off if danger were detected. Somehow, they know that the dogs are not a threat.
Measured response
Instead of wasting energy, the rhino backs its natural defences and weighs up the situation. Even as a dog walks by, it remains calm.
The rhino watches it pass, and in the process, seems to make up its mind. While it is not feeling threatened, it is not totally comfortable with the dogs’ proximity.
Accordingly, it turns and heads away from the road. As it does so, the dogs are content to watch it leave the area. Now they can relax in preparation for their next hunting excursion.