Fiona Macleod
The population of wild dogs in the Kruger National Park, the only viable refuge of these endangered creatures in the country, has shrunk from 450 to 200 in the past few years. The Kruger park says it is not certain of the reasons for the decline, but there has been a high mortality rate among the puppies.
It is estimated that there are at most about 500 wild dogs also known as Cape hunting dogs and “painted” dogs because of their colourful patterns left in the whole of South Africa.
In the past they were randomly shot by farmers and hunters, who regarded them as vermin. Their need for large areas in which to roam and hunt has also counted against their chances of survival.
In more recent years, especially as their numbers have edged towards extinction, they have become a treasured tourism trophy.
There are a number of small, isolated populations left in various of South Africa’s protected areas, with the largest and only viable population in the Kruger park.
William Mabasa, the Kruger’s communications manager, says in the last two years puppies made up a large percentage of the park’s wild dog population. Scientists are not sure why the pups are dying, but put it down to the effects of “natural phenomena”, including the high rainfall in the past two seasons.
The young play an important part in the close social interaction within wild dog packs, with all members of the pack taking care of the pups.
“The scientists say mortality among pups is one of the things that happens with wild dogs. That is why they monitor them so closely,” says Mabasa.
“They are not worried that this means wild dogs in South Africa are heading for extinction soon, but they will be watching them closely.”
None of the scientists studying the Kruger’s wild dog population were available at the time of going to press.