Yes, you read correctly. Wild dogs are right on our doorstep, yet again. Don’t think that tires us in any way – we could not be more privileged to have the best seats in the house for some of the most exceptional sightings of some of Africa’s most endangered predators! This morning topped it all off at nThambo Tree Camp (after 2 solid weeks of sightings, that’s saying a lot). Resident ranger-turned-photographer, Kevin MacLaughlin, had the following to say:
“First, Ryan (Africa on Foot student guide) saw an African wild dog shoot across the road and disappear out of sight. Then I bumped into about 6 dogs finishing off an impala nearby! Following that, they ran through the vegetation block and Matt (nThambo guide) found them, all contact calling to find the lost dogs in the pack. I counted about 12 dogs. Then, I heard the distinct hysterical sound of a hyena, and assumed they were having a stand off with the dogs. I made my way there and it was clear that the dogs had made another kill, but this time the hyena had stolen it. The dogs headed for Buffel Dam where I was waiting, and a few minutes later they made their third kill for the morning behind the dam. I heard on the radio that there were another 3 dogs on the road, which we assume were part of the same pack. So a total of 3 kills this morning… not bad!”
So these super efficient hunters, the underdogs (excuse the pun) in the world of African predators, made not one, or two, but three kills this morning alone. The impalas must be in a state of shock! What an incredible experience for guests at nThambo Tree Camp to witness the interaction between the notorious hyenas and the skilful wild dogs. Enjoy the following video snippets of this extended sighting this morning.
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