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Dogs' breakfast
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Feeding time for the African Hunting Dogs at Hamilton Zoo was a pretty grisly business - the keeper put out some choice bits of horse, then let the dogs out (yes the keeper did it!). They raced around getting hold of portions according to their status in the pack and making their strange squealing yelps. It was quite a sight.
PP cropped, adjusted contrast and levels, resized and sharpened.
They're very interesting animals:
African Hunting Dog
(Lycaon pictus)
Live: Isolated populations in sub-Saharan Africa
Habitat: Plains, grasslands and lowland forests
Diet: Antelope and deer species such as impala and kudu
Gestation: 62-72 days, can have up to 20 pups in a litter, average is normally around 10 pups
Longevity: Up to 12 years
Status: Endangered
General: Also known as the painted dog due to its patterned coat. The pups are born black and white with the tan colour appearing at about two months old. Each dog's pattern is unique except for the white tip to their tail, tan forehead and black muzzle. Hunting dogs have very big ears. This gives them exceptionally good hearing and also helps them to keep cool.
They live in groups or packs averaging 10 individuals, however, groups of over 30 have been seen in the wild. Hunting dogs hunt in packs and chase down their prey over long distances. They have great stamina and can run at 60km/hr (37mph) for over three miles.
Only the dominant pair breed. All members of the pack are involved in caring for the offspring, regurgitating food for them upon returning from a hunt and supervising when the parents are hunting.
The population is declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Source: www.hamiltonzoo.co.nz |
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You captured the moment well, pity we can't see more of their heads. Nice sharp details.
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