After a sensational first 2 weeks with the Nduna pride, the last week has been rather bleak and tough going, for them and us.
But the good news is the wild dogs are back. The Mupanigawa pack were up at Piccanini James yesterday afternoon when I found them. I wasn’t able to do a good count but counted at least 15 dogs. There should be 17. I really hope I just missed them.
Anyway all our key players are still there and going strong. The Alpha Female is now huge. Surely she must give birth very soon.
Sash’s ear is looking so much better.
One-eye’s limp has almost gone.
When I left them after sunset they were heading in the direction of the den they used last year. So here’s to hoping they use the same den and soon.
It was then a long haul from the very north of the reserve to the very south, some 25kms to pick up on the Nduna pride. They were heading north over the Malevula hills. The whole pride now beginning to look lean but all in good shape.
They missed a few attempts on impala and zebra just north of the hills and rested up here a while.
Then in the early hours they continued north-west. Crossed the Mahande river and were in the area they were at a few days ago where they encountered a herd of eland.
Just before dawn they were into stalk mode. Again it was eland and zebra they were targeting.
But again they came up short. Eventually the whole pride regrouped at dawn to rest up for the day.
I was hoping to pick up on the dogs in the morning too but with 3 punctures to fix had my time cut out. But I will be tracking them down this afternoon.
Any word on Toffee’s rabies test? And have they gotten any more of the dogs inoculated?
I’m as anxious as you to find out. Unfortunately no news yet. Haven’t done anymore dogs yet as waiting for test results and for them to settle at the den. Dont’ want too much disturbance.
After seeing the video for May 9, I would say things aren’t looking so good. Sure hope some of the pack survive.
Eventually got the results back. Rabies!