African wild dog mating season begins
Foundation asks for help
The African wild dog mating season begins in late April and ends in September.According to the Kalahari African Wild Dog Conservation Trust (KAWDCT), the packs look for a den in which the alpha female will give birth. The pack then works together to raise the litter.
This time is therefore not only crucial for the pack, but for the species as a whole, as African wild dogs give birth to only one litter of pups per year. "Because pup numbers are so dangerously low, the survival or loss of a litter can be critical or devastating to the species," KAWDCT said.
As long as the safety of the pack is not in question, this will remain in the same den for the duration of the season. If the pack senses a threat, however, they will move the pups to a new, more secure den. "After 12 to 16 weeks, the pack leaves the den and the pups enter the 'redemption phase'. During this time the pack will hunt while the pups and their 'guardians' remain in a safe place until the pups are old and strong enough to make the long daily journey across the terrain.”
Aged 6 months, the puppies are then able to keep up with the pack. "At this point, the entire pack is roaming its territory and no longer in a den or vantage point," explained KAWDCT.
However, the KAWDCT needs support to ensure the mating season is a success. Items are required before 15 May that the organisation can no longer purchase once it is in the bush. This includes a tablet for data collection, heating pads to keep the anesthetized dogs at the right body temperature, as well as power banks and headlamps to keep the team safe and well equipped. The required items can be purchased from the wish list of the following link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/GRR7C0XSDAR0