Wild Dog Dispersal: A Tale of Survival and Sociality

Wild dogs are remarkably lean, and for a good reason—they expend a tremendous amount of energy daily. Their hunting strategy involves marathon-like chases that exhaust their prey into submission. At the Limpopo-Lipadi, which spans 18 km in length and up to 14 km in width, our wild dogs have roamed every inch, covering up to 20 km in a single day. This extensive range is typical for wild dogs as they hunt and search for reproductive mates.

Since April, our once cohesive pack of seventeen wild dogs has fragmented into three smaller groups. The alpha dog remained with three others, while eight pups and another adult ventured out on their own. Additionally, three young adult females decided to chart their own paths. Initially, we thought this separation was a temporary split for mating purposes, driven by the strong social structure where only the alpha pair has the right to reproduce. However, it became clear that the packs would not reunite.

In wild dog society, only the alpha pair typically reproduces, while the others lead a life of subordination. The three wandering females are likely in search of potential mates. One even escaped through the electric fence for four days before returning to the Reserve. With one female tagged with a satellite collar, we’ve observed their movements closely, noting a tendency to stay near the fence line. Unfortunately, the alpha splinter pack has not been seen since early April, leaving us to wonder where they might have dispersed.

In our observations, we see two types of dispersal: social and spatial. Social dispersal occurs when individuals leave their original pack but remain within the same territory. Spatial dispersal happens when individuals leave their pack and territory entirely to establish themselves elsewhere. Dispersal is crucial for the social structure, demographics, and genetic diversity of wild dogs.

In vast, open ecosystems, wild dogs can freely disperse beyond their birth ranges, spreading their genes across new areas. However, in fenced reserves like Limpopo-Lipadi, these dispersals must be managed to prevent a genetic bottleneck. Spatial dispersal often carries higher mortality risks, especially if the surrounding areas are farmlands. The wild dog’s inherent drive to roam extensive areas is a challenging trait, a raw deal from nature that complicates their survival. We will keep you posted on the developments.

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