What methods do African wild dogs use to hunt their prey?
African wild dogs are among the most efficient hunters in Africa. It is when they hunt that the important role of the pack becomes very clear. They hunt by day, usually in the early morning or evening and occasionally in the moonlight. They rely on their phenomenal stamina to tire their prey and the combined strength of the pack to bring the prey down. Often they make no attempt at concealment and approach potential prey openly at a slow trot while they will keep their heads low and ears back. They will break into a run only when the prey flees. They may rush a herd into flight and then stand watching to identify potential members of the herd that is slower than the rest. The leading dog, which is usually the dominant male or female will selects a particular target and pursues it in a very single-minded manner. The rest of the pack will follow in lines behind the leader. It can happen that one of the other dogs chooses a different prey and so lead some of the dogs on another chase. In
