H3_W2_007

Date: 2018

Location: Khwai Conservancy, Botswana

Did you know?

The African Wild Dog is also known as the Painted Dog or Cape Hunting Dog. It is the largest wild canine in Africa. It is estimated that there are around 6,600 adults (including 1,400 mature individuals) living in 39 subpopulations that are all threatened by habitat fragmentation, human persecution, and outbreaks of disease. As the largest subpopulation probably comprises fewer than 250 individuals, the African Wild Dog has been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List since 1990. Like other canids, the African Wild Dog regurgitates food for its young, but also extends this action to adults, as a central part of the pack's social unit. The young have the privilege of feeding first on carcasses.

About the picture

This photo was taken late in the evening after sunset. We had gone to see a pride of lions and while we were heading back, we happened upon this pack of African Wild Dogs moving through the grassland. As the light was very low and the dogs were moving, I had to pan and take this image.

Fun Fact

The oldest African Wild Dog fossil dates back 200,000 years ago and was found in HaYonim Cave, Israel.