Since the first wild dogs came to Harnas in 1997 the number of them increased constantly.
Characteristic features
The most conspicuous characteristic of the wild dogs are their big round ears. The black fur is spotted with yellow, brown and white marks. They can reach a weight between 15 to 30 kg and a shoulder height of 65-75 cm.
Special characteristics
Wild dogs are the most endangered carnivores on earth. Due to the disappearing living areas, diseases and being pursued by humans their survival is questionable. They live and hunt in packs, which consists of 8 to 15, sometimes even 40 members. Only the alpha couple is allowed to have off spring, which will also be raised and protected by the other members of the pack. Wild dogs have a distinctive social behaviour and take care of sick and old family members.
Hunting
During hunting they are capable to obtain a high speed of 50-65km/h. The preferred time of hunting is at dawn or dusk.
Enemies
Apart from lions and hyenas, especially the human is an extreme danger to the wild dog, because of the wild dogs successful hunting of farm stock.
Life expectancy
Wild dogs can age up to 10-12 years.
And this is the sound at Feeding time.
Many thanks to Hill's Pet Nutrition for sponsoring Hill's Science Diet for the wild dogs.
