An African wild dog lost its life when an adult male lion attacked it. This unfortunate incident occurred in the Balule Nature Reserve.
It was submitted to Latest Sightings by guide, Nhlanhla Nkuna in February 2024.
Distracted dogs
Nhlanha informs us that he found a large male lion resting in the shade. As he and his guests watched, the lion suddenly jumped up to pursue a steenbok that ran onto the scene.
At the time, neither Nhlanhla nor the lion realised that the steenbok was fleeing a pack of African wild dogs.
Watch the sighting:
Catastrophic miscalculation
However, the wild dogs, already in hunting mode did not see the lion and ran ever closer to it. As they did so, the lion hid itself behind long grass.
Razor sharp reflexes
The lion then displayed incredible reflexes, grabbing the lead dog as it came around a thicket.
Literally plucking the dog out of the air as it attempted to leap clear, the lion quickly subdued its unintended prey.
Caught in a death grip
Of course, lions are much bigger than wild dogs. A male lion weighs up to 250 kilograms (570 lbs) compared to about 25 kg (57 lbs) for a wild dog.
The dog’s efforts to free itself were no match for the lion, although it can be seen struggling in vain.
So barring a miracle, the outcome was all but inevitable once the lion closed its jaws on the dog’s throat and pinned it to the ground.
Help is on the way?
Alerted by the distress calls of their pack mate, another two dogs soon arrived on the scene.
Wild dogs are highly sociable, with pack members forming strong bonds. Perhaps aware, that their strength is in numbers, it’s little wonder they came to the aid of their compatriot.
Wild dogs have been known to gang up on other predators. However, this is usually only successful when they have a distinct numerical advantage.
With just two would-be rescuers in this instance, their effort, however noble it was, never really stood a chance.
A futile appeal for help
One cannot help but feel sorry for the stricken dog. Wild dogs use their tails to “flag” one another, so seeing it wagging its tail as if asking for help is heartbreaking.
Losing hope
Equally distressing, when the lion turns its massive head towards the other two dogs, we see the captive dog clamped firmly in its mouth. Its blinking eyes tell us it is still alive.
The other two dogs continue their excited chattering call but are too wary of the lion to attack it. As with all predators, any injury can have fatal consequences in the long term. If they can’t keep up with the pack they face a lingering death.
The massive size difference
When the lion has sufficiently subdued the dog, it stands up and reveals the massive size difference of the two apex predator species.
Amazingly, the dog is still alive and seen weakly resisting the lion.
Meanwhile, the lion is quite agitated, as seen in how its tail is lashing.
Not giving up
Still not ready to abandon their friend, the two wild dogs continue to harass the lion as it walks off.
Soon a third dog arrives but it does nothing to change the balance of power. The lion is indifferent to their pestering and continues to walk away.
At one point, the lion swings to face its adversaries but it is clear it is not going to give up its prize. It’s almost as if he is disdainful of his pursuers.
Not even the arrival of a fourth dog makes a difference.
Nature’s way
The incident is distressing in its own right. What makes it more so is that African wild dogs are an endangered species. Only 650 live in the wilds of South Africa (of 1 400 in Africa), so the loss of even one is significant.
Although they are no longer considered vermin, their future is threatened by habitat fragmentation, poisoning, poaching, infectious diseases and the effects of climate change.
Having seen their obvious bravery and camaraderie in action, it would be a huge loss if they went extinct due to preventable causes.