Painted Dogs

In the Okavango Delta, just across the small pond outside our camp, we had an opportunity to observe a pack of African wild dogs. Called painted dogs, these ended up very chill, unbothered by our presence. We also got a chance to watch them move into formation for a hunt, quite a thing to witness.

Dogs on the periphery of the pack remained alert, ears forward, motionless, ready to decide for the group whether or not to move.

Painted dogs prefer the open space, where they can more easily keep track of the pack, a task more difficult to manage within thick brush. Unfortunately, that limited access to shade, but the dogs stay as cool as possible by resting in grass.

Hyenas

Somewhat similar in appearance, hyenas and painted dogs do not get along. In fact, hyenas represent a large threat to painted dogs. Painted dogs make great hunters, but end up overwhelmed by higher-population hyena cackles (their collective noun). The outnumbered painted dogs retreat from kills and lose some of their number to the result of hyena fights: infection, malnutrition and mortal wounds.

Here, some hyenas, to compare with painted dogs.

Poison

Another threat to painted dogs comes from humans. Ranchers have poisoned decoy animals for painted dogs to eat. Mothers regurgitate food for their young to feast, so poisoned meat can kill several animals, especially pups. Education campaigns for ranchers has reduced this practice, as conservationists have provided other means to safeguard livestock.

Just a Dog

Painted dogs made my top ten list of the coolest animals I got to see on safari. They reminded me of, well, dogs; just like any neighborhood dog.