Wild Dogs

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A pack of 9 Cape Hunting Dogs (known as Wild Dogs) have denned and had pups on Mala Mala Game Reserve. The dogs are therefore fairly restricted in their movements until the pups are large enough to follow the adults. Guests visiting Mala Mala will have a good chance of seeing the dogs either at the den, or when they return from their morning and afternoon hunting sessions. This will no doubt enhance the already superb quality game viewing experienced on Mala Mala over next month or so at least.


Did you know?

* Formerly widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, today just 3,000-5,500 African wild dogs remain, with most populations still declining.

* No two wild dogs are marked exactly the same, making it easy to identify different individuals. Why such a pattern should develop, and how it serves the hunting dog, has long intrigued scientists.

*African wild dogs live in packs of six to 20. The aggression exhibited towards prey is completely nonexistent between members of the pack and there is little intimidation among the social hierarchy.

* Wild dogs are usually on the move over a very large range, often covering up to 900 square miles. After a litter is born, however, they will limit their traveling and hunting to areas closer to the den.

*The entire pack is involved in the welfare of the pups, which are born in thick brush or in a den.

* Whilst many visitors to Africa view the famed Big Five as the coveted trophy on their African Safari, the wild dog is more difficult to find, and is a truly remarkable creature.