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In the wild, African wild dogs have to be on the lookout for predators at all times.
Large predators like lions and leopards prey on African wild dogs, especially vulnerable pups and adults that wander away from the pack.
Hyenas, specifically spotted hyenas, are also known to attack and eat African wild dogs, often targeting weak or injured individuals.
African wild dogs have even been known to fall prey to other wild dogs, a phenomenon known as "intraguild predation."
African Wild Dogs
African Wild Dogs are highly social and pack animals, often working together to hunt and defend their kills.
Their size puts them at a disadvantage against larger predators like Nile crocodiles, who are opportunistic and ambush predators.
Wild dogs will often rely on their speed or the defense of their pack to get out of trouble when encountering a crocodile.
Crocodiles will occasionally target wild dogs if they're at the waterside at the wrong time, which can lead to scuffles between the two species.
These confrontations over food can get intense, with wild dogs using their numbers to mob hyenas and drive them away.
Related reading: Dogs Pack Animals
Diet Overview
African Wild Dogs are scavengers and opportunistic hunters, which means they'll eat just about anything they can find.
Their diet consists mainly of small to medium-sized antelopes, such as duikers and steenboks.
They also hunt larger prey like impalas and gazelles, often targeting weak or injured individuals.
In addition to meat, they'll eat carrion if they come across it.
Their diet varies depending on the season and what's available in their territory.
For your interest: Why Do Dogs Eat Other Animals Feces
Habitat and Prey
African Wild Dogs are highly social animals that live in packs, typically ranging from 10 to 20 individuals, including a dominant male and female.
These packs are incredibly cohesive, with members often grooming and playing with each other to strengthen their bonds.
African Wild Dogs are skilled hunters that primarily feed on small to medium-sized antelopes, such as impalas and kudus.
Their diet also consists of other small mammals like rodents and hares.
African Wild Dogs are diurnal hunters, meaning they hunt during the day, using their incredible speed and agility to chase down their prey.
Their average speed is around 45 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest land animals on Earth.
African Wild Dogs are found in various habitats across sub-Saharan Africa, including savannas, grasslands, and woodlands.
Wild Dogs' Eating Habits
African wild dogs are skilled hunters that feed on a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
They primarily hunt during the day, using their speed and agility to chase down their quarry.
Their diet consists mainly of antelopes, such as duikers and steenboks, which make up to 60% of their food intake.
Wild dogs also feed on other small antelopes, like impalas and kudus.
Reptiles, like lizards and snakes, are occasionally eaten, but they make up a small portion of their diet.
In some cases, wild dogs may scavenge for carrion, but this is not a common practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are African wild dogs killed for?
African wild dogs are often killed by farmers due to fear of attacks on their livestock. They are also vulnerable to human activities that reduce their habitat and increase their exposure to diseases.
Sources
- https://africafreak.com/african-wild-dog-predators
- https://blog.londolozi.com/2023/10/26/how-do-they-do-it-the-african-wild-dog-feeding-strategy/
- https://www.ducksters.com/animals/african_wild_dog.php
- https://macaulay.webarchive.hutton.ac.uk/wilddogs/wddiet.htm
- https://www.animalmatchup.com/animal/african-wild-dog
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