wisdom
The law of the wild: Every species is primarily concerned with its own survival, doing what it must to protect its young and pass on its genes. Some refer to this as the cycle of life, and some, the law of the wild – simple on the surface, but wonderfully and unfathomably complex the deeper you look. Each species has evolved its own means of survival and succession. Between the fleeing and the fighting, the hiding and the hunting, the collaboration and the culling, there are many examples of what we humans would consider compassion, exercised to great lengths. Enter the African wild dog. More than meets the eye: Also known as Painted Wolves – a direct translation of their scientific name, Lycaon pictus – wild dogs are proof that looks can be deceiving, in more ways than one. Just a metre long when fully grown, and roughly 70 cm (30 in.) tall, their mottled coats – each as unique as a fingerprint – bushy tails, and rounded ears, often endear them to observers. Yet, they’re Africa’s most effective hunters. With a success rate of around 80% – the
highest of any predator on the continent – they’ve developed unique tactics to take down different species of prey. Because of this, packs are generally well fed. But that’s not the only reason they’ve endured as the last living Lycaons . Survival for the African wild dog depends just as much on community as it does on cunning. A complex canid community: Wild dogs seem to understand that the success of the pack relies on the survival of the next generation, and family bonds run deep. Packs are tightly knit, highly cooperative, and socially complex, ranging in size from two dogs to as many as 30. They spend most of their time together, often playing and showing affection. Males and females have separate hierarchies, and the dominant alpha pair is primarily responsible for breeding. Yet the task of caring for pups is shared by all. Whereas many other species of predator tend to care exclusively for their own young, wild dogs take a more communal approach, seeing and treating the alpha’s pups as theirs. This is known as ‘kin selection’. The needs of the alpha’s come first, but sometimes, when beta females reproduce, the pack will still care for the pups.
Previous spread These juvenile dogs are getting the lay of the land – and life in the wild. Left There is so much wisdom in the ways of the wild dog, gained and passed down over millennia.
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