Looking for greener pastures?

By: Limpopo-Lipadi | Date: May 20, 2024 | Reserve

While on game drive these co-owners were told by the Reserve manager and their guide that they had noticed that Limpopo-Lipadi pack of wild dogs had split up. Difficult to tell at this time if this was just temporary or for longer, but it wasn’t long before they saw two female wild dogs lingering along the fence, looking, listening attentively, while searching for a way to get across this electrified boundary.

What was going on here? Upon reaching adulthood, female African wild dogs exhibit a behaviour that may surprise many: they leave their natal pack. Unlike many other species where females typically remain with their birth pack, female wild dogs venture out to find new territories and establish their own packs. This phenomenon, known as dispersal, plays a crucial role in maintaining genetic diversity and preventing inbreeding within wild dog populations.

The reasons behind this unique behaviour are multifaceted. By dispersing, female wild dogs reduce competition for resources within their original pack and minimise the risk of inbreeding. Additionally, establishing new packs allows for the colonisation of new territories, contributing to the overall resilience and adaptability of the species.

While this may seem like a solitary journey, female dispersal is anything but. These adventurous individuals often form bonds with unrelated dispersing males, laying the foundation for new packs and ensuring the continuation of the wild dog lineage.
At Limpopo-Lipadi, this natural behaviour may be hampered by our fences. On the other hand, we see that those smart wild dogs have always found ways to enter and leave the Reserve somehow. As an example, a new male recently joined the pack from outside, so he must have found a way across or under the fence. On our game drives we will continue to count the dogs, look for newcomers or search for females that may or may not have left the premises… To be continued!

If you would like to support our conservation efforts, have a look on our website: https://limpopo-lipadi.org/donate/. For discreet information on share sales, contact generalmanager@limpopo-lipadi.org. To book a safari, request our rates via reservations@limpopo-lipadi.org or via WhatsApp: (+267) 76770191.
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