jaapv Posted April 27, 2017 Share #1  Posted April 27, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) GX8, DG vario Elmar @ 500 equ., 100th, ISO 3200  African Wild Dog (Lycaon Pictus) Is my absolute favourite for their social structure, interesting behaviour, and incredible hunting skills. It is the only social animal where the dominant male is not kicked out when it gets old and feeble, but receives care and food. A pack is one genetic unit of interrelated dogs with a strong emotional bond, only the Alpha male and female breed, the whole pack will care for the young, to the extent of providing a babysitter when they go out hunting. After the hunt they will return and regurgitate food for the young and babysitter. They are the most efficient predators on earth, up to 90% of their hunts are successful, compared to for instance 30% with Lions. They will run a prey down in a long distance chase, with the dogs working in a relay manner, and will kill within few minutes (again as opposed to cats) and prey on animals up to and including Zebras. There are no instances of Wild Dog attacking humans, in fact they are interested and friendly. They are not directly related to domestic dogs, they branched off in the Pleistocene.  Unfortunately highly endangered, vulnerable to habitat loss ( they have ranges of hundreds of square kilometers), domestic dog diseases, hunted by stock farmers, etc. There are an estimated 3000-5000 left in the world.    Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/271865-my-favourite-animal/?do=findComment&comment=3263319'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 27, 2017 Posted April 27, 2017 Hi jaapv, Take a look here My favourite animal. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
stuny Posted April 27, 2017 Share #2  Posted April 27, 2017 Wonderful.  Unlike their prey they can keep running virtually all day, exhausting their faster prey - Hence the 90% success rate. Where we were in the South African Kalahari they lost two packs to distemper. Previously the vets thought distemper inoculations would last two years. Now they are inoculating the dogs (via darts carrying the vaccine) every year. We were lucky that they reintroduced a pack of seven just before we left, and we got to see them up close. I share your excitement for them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted April 28, 2017 Share #3 Â Posted April 28, 2017 Hello Jaap, Â Nice photo & story. Â Best Regards, Â Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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