In the northern region of the reserve, we recently found a new den site belonging to the smaller pack of Wild Dogs in the area, and the resulting pups have been putting on quite a show!
African Wild Dogs (Lyacon pictus) otherwise known as Painted Wolves, follow quite a regimented cycle when it comes to giving birth and raising offspring. In early winter the pack will identify a den site (usually old termite mounds), and the (by now) heavily pregnant alpha female will give birth to a litter which can range from 2 to the record number of 22 offspring! The reason for them selecting this time of the year to have young is that with the bush now drying out, hunting of prey becomes a lot easier for them, as animals have less cover and make use of known water points more frequently.
During this phase, all members of the pack assist in the upbringing of the litter and provide food by killing prey, eating the meat then returning to the den and regurgitating the meat for the young ones to eat. This caring family dynamic is quite astounding to observe.
We have been so lucky that the resident smaller pack of 4 adult dogs have given birth to no less than 10 individuals! These pups, now around 6-8 week old, have started growing in confidence and it’s been fascinating to see their development, with their den site being in quite close proximity to the lodge. They have provided some incredible sightings and have left us all in awe. These, along with the 7 lion cubs at the moment and the rumoured birth of leopard cubs to our local female Saseka, promise an exciting winter of safaris at Kwambili Game Lodge!
The other more renowned pack of 18+ dogs that use Thornybush as part of their home range have also been seen recently in the area, with a heavily pregnant alpha female, so we are hoping that they too den nearby and we can be spoilt with not one but two Wild Dog den sites!
Report and images by ranger Andi
