The African wild dog is one of Africa’s most endangered predators. African wild dogs are highly elusive, avoiding human contact and utilising vast, remote territories to remain out of sight. Current estimates suggest that only about 6,600 individuals remain, in fragmented populations across southern and eastern Africa. About 600 live in South Africa.
Some of the populations in South Africa are closely monitored and managed. A better understanding of their diet and feeding behaviour would benefit conservation efforts. For an endangered species, every bite counts.
Analysing the dogs’ diet can improve our understanding of the dynamics that exist between wild dogs and their prey species. It also tells us what wild dog packs might eat in the future if their usual prey no longer exists in large numbers. And it shows which species contribute most significantly to the wild dog diet.
