The dogs were still sleeping when I joined them at first light. And they continued to sleep till after sunrise. Some of them looked really well fed, which probably means they were out hunting with the moon last night and would explain their late start.
Now they headed west and were soon on the Chiredzi River, Puzzles leading the way. For about a kilometre they followed the river continuously checking out crossing points but Puzzles was nervous of the water. Was it her instinctive fear of crocodiles?
Thankfully she eventually led them away and back east. I always dread they’ll cross the river again, but actually it’s not really a problem. Just makes my travel across there not so easy. (Yes it’s all about me!)
Their river crossing expedition took them into the heat of the day and without a meal they chilled out at a dried up pan. Most of the small pans in the veld are now dry, as we haven’t had any more rain for nearly 2 weeks. And this is supposed to be our rainy season. Doesn’t look promising.
Thankfully I was able to get my vehicle sorted today and all seems back on track.
The dogs moved on east around sunset and were soon on the chase. Puzzles must have killed something small as she and a couple of pups arrived back with blood stains. But they didn’t return to the carcass, which probably means it was another baby impala and they finished it off.
As you’re probably aware, I always make fun of lions being so inactive and on average only being active about 4 hours a day. Well if I notch up the dogs activity for the last few days, they’re not far off that very same target, being active a couple of hours in the morning and again a couple in the afternoon. At least with the dogs, they’re more regular and you know they’re active only in the early mornings and late afternoons.
All about you, huh? I hardly think someone who spends his days tracking and helping out animals in a distant land is selfish. Haha.
I was just wondering…. if one of the parents dies, what would the remaining alpha do for a mate? Would they mate with a member of the pack or would they try to find another from an unrelated pack?
Good question, Nancy.
And also, how much longer before the parents kick the pups out of the nest altogether and begin all over again?
Nancy: If one died, i don’t think they’d go looking for a mate. they would have to look after the rest of the pack. but if another mate arrived in the area then i’m sure things would happen. But next year when the pups are fully adult, and if no other adults have moved into the area, it’s quite possible the alpha would mate with their offspring.
Eve: The pups stay on in the pack and could do so for their entire lives. they don’t get kicked out. but if the pack got too big they might leave of their own accord and form a new pack.
Does that happen very often? I would worry about degradation of genetic diversity of the pack if there was interbreeding. But I suppose it isn’t all that common.
I am going back to Mashatu in April as a volunteer. I really hope I’ll get to spend some time helping out with the wild dog project again. I only discovered them through wildcast. Being there when they released a pack into the reserve was a an unexpected serendipitous occasion for me. Elephants, dogs, cats… so much to do, so little time.
Hi Kim,
How did this pack start out? Were the parents brought into the area to establish a new pack or have they left another pack? I was wondering about the possibility of in-breeding but presumably only the parents will be breeding for now?
Thanks
Alison
Inbreeding does happen in the wild. i think we’re possibly over sensitive about this. but if one thinks about it, it probably only happens in a family line very seldom. i have seen it in leopards.
This pack came in from a neighbouring area.
Thanks for the answers, Kim. It’s rewarding to have instant information straight from experience!