Wild dogs hunt down and eat a young Oryx.
This pack of wild dogs had been on a mission and we had trouble keeping up withem. We had followed them for quite some time when they set off at speed. They had spotted a small herd of Oryx in the distance and the herd included some young antelopes. The dogs set their sights on this young Oryx and chased into some bushes where they took it down. The grunts of the downed Oryx were hard to listen to as the dogs dispatched the unfortunate animal. A rather gruesome encounter but at least the wild dogs (which are critically endangered) had managed to feed. Quite a spectacle as wild dogs hunt down and eat a young Oryx. This was one several encounters we had with this pack in Tswalu in South Africa’s Kalahari desert. The pack was made up of an alpha pair (both injured from previous encounters with prey animals) plus eight one year old puppies.
African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) are highly social and intelligent carnivores found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. They are also known as painted dogs and cape hunting dogs. With their distinctive mottled fur, large ears, and slender bodies, these dogs are expertly adapted for hunting in packs. They are known for their remarkable teamwork and coordination during hunts. African wild dogs have a unique social structure, living in family groups led by a dominant breeding pair. Unfortunately, they face significant threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and disease, making them one of the continent’s most endangered species.
The Oryx, a majestic antelope species found in the arid regions of Africa, is known for its distinctive long, straight horns and resilient adaptations to harsh desert environments with specialised features like their ability to conserve water and regulate body temperature. Oryx often travel in small herds, relying on their keen senses and impressive horns to defend themselves from predators.
Key words: South Africa, South African, Africa, African, Tswalu, Kalahari, desert, wild dogs, dogs, puppies, Oryx, antelope, young, hunt, feeding, vocalisation, wildlife, nature, animals, safari