Matthew Fleischack sent this video to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while on a game drive in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa.
Dogs by the river
For many of South Africa’s game rangers, sightings of African wild dogs are a rare treat. So, Matthew was delighted to come across a large pack as they made their way along a river.
The pack was probably out hunting, as they must do several times a day to fuel their high metabolic needs.
As the pack paused on the riverbank, they spotted something unusual. In the water, a mysterious object came floating down the swiftly flowing river.
No immunity for predators
Some people think that, as predators, wild dogs have little to worry about. But this is not the case, as competition amongst predators is extreme, with species killing one another if given half a chance.
While most interpredator conflict does not result in the deceased being eaten, the one definite exception is crocodiles.
Latest Sightings has featured several videos in which predators are taken by crocodiles.
Taking no chances
We’ll never know if the dogs mistook the object for a crocodile. What is obvious is that they were not taking any chances.
As it happens, the object in the river was not a crocodile but a harmless log. But then again, that is what every crocodile wants you to think.
Defensive perimeter
Besides the dogs’ obvious curiosity about the log, there is something else that is interesting about their behaviour.
While several members remain focused on the passing log, others form a circular defensive perimeter, ensuring that they have a 360-degree coverage of their surroundings.
While this may be to keep a lookout for prey, it is equally probable that they are guarding against an attack by other predators.
Alphas on alert
As the current carried the log further downstream, some of the dogs followed its progress. These dogs were in the centre of the group, and judging by the way the other dogs responded to their movement, may have been the alpha pair.
Wild dog packs are hierarchical, with a dominant male and female faithfully followed and protected by their pack mates.
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Out of the zone
As the log floated away, the dogs became less concerned about its presence. Like most animals, they have a comfort zone.
This is an area around them within which they feel no threat. It may vary depending on what other species they encounter. When other animals encroach on this area, it will usually trigger their fight-or-flight response.
As the video nears its conclusion, we hear a cacophony of sound erupt somewhere nearby. It seems a troop of baboons had also spotted something, possibly the dogs, that they didn’t like the look of.
Painted wolves
People also call wild dogs “painted wolves,” a direct translation of their Latin name, Lycaon pictus. This refers to their distinctive splash-patterned coats.
They are one of the most endangered predators, with as few as 6000 living across Africa. They are also one of the most efficient predators around, with an estimate hunting success rate of 80%.