Tsago, Davo, Mugabi and Dinnaos were siblings, from the same litter. Last week Mugabi died, cancer. They're all nine years old, ancient for AWDs. Tsago and Davo had paired off a few months ago, and Mugabi and Dinnaos had been constant companions as well. Since Mugabi died Dinnaos has been "huffing". He putting his muzzle straight down and huffs repeatedly. The other two will immediately come and find him, but the one he's calling has not responded. As the AWDs rarely make a sound humans can hear this has been especially moving to witness. I fear for Dinnaos now, AWDs are very social and closely bonded, but he continuously leaves the other two and goes off by himself.
African Wild Dog
Natural History
Kim Scott The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) has been regarded as one of Africa’s most endangered canids. Historically, the range of the African wild dog extended across most of sub-Sahara Africa. Presently, they have been extirpated from most of their range; they are extinct in most countries in west and central Africa. Today, wild populations of wild dogs exist only in eight countries of Africa including Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Namibia, and Kenya. Current numbers of wild dogs are anywhere between 3,000 and 5,500.
African wild dogs can weigh anywhere from 37-80 pounds
(13.9kg – 30.3kg) and measure approximately 30 inches (76.2cm) in height. The dogs have very unique features including large, rounded ears and brown circles around their eyes. Each individual wild dog can also be distinguished by a unique patterning of black, white, and yellow patches on their bodies, which has given them the nickname of “painted wolves”. Wild dogs breed from late March through June and give birth to an average of 10 pups about 73 days later.
Similar to its cousin, the wolf, the African wild dog is a highly social animal. They have been described as being one of the most intensely social canid species, spending 80% of their time in close association with one another. During the whelping season, all pack members assist with the feeding and care of the newborn pups and their mother. In addition, once the pups emerge from their den about three weeks after birth, all pack members, including the males, regurgitate to pups after a meal. Packs are made up of adults and yearlings and can number up to 25 individuals.
