Beth Sutton, Rare (DOCO 2025)

In November 2024 I had the opportunity to see African Wild Dogs in a remote part of South Africa - an incredible privilege, given that some estimate that there may be fewer than 6,600 adults & yearlings left. Also known as Painted Wolves, the dogs have a striking coat pattern that is unique to each individual. These coat patterns are thought to help the dogs recognise each other & also assist with camouflage. They have large ears to help with long distance pack communication & thermoregulation in the hotter months. African wild dogs are highly social, with larger packs numbering up to around forty. The packs are generally headed up by a monogamous breeding pair, with subordinates playing supportive roles such as bringing the matriarch food whilst she is in the den with pups. Once weaned, the pups are cared for by the whole pack. Healthy adults are also known to share food with ill & weaker pack members. Wild dogs are under threat from many angles - habitat loss, human conflict over livestock predation, snares for bush meat, competition with other predators & disease passed on by domesticated dogs. Conservation efforts include tracking the dogs to study behaviour & movements, working with communities to build bomas to protect livestock, education programs to clear misconceptions & securing tracts of land to provide habitat & corridors for safe passage. Let's hope it is enough to save this incredible species.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.