Three wild dog brothers make Africa’s longest journey

Three wild dogs, all brothers, undertook an extraordinary journey in Zambia last year, reminiscent of a Disney movie. After being told by their family to leave, the brothers set off in search of a new home, navigating through cars, hunters, and bushmeat snares. Their adventure led them to traverse more than 2,500 miles (4,100 kilometers) over eight months, marking the longest recorded journey of any mammal on the continent.
The journey began in Kafue National Park in western Zambia and concluded in the Luangwa Valley in the east. Along the way, the brothers covered a remarkable 340 miles (546 kilometers), also setting a record for the distance traveled in a single journey by African wild dogs. This epic trek is comparable to walking the length of Chile and exceeds the famous wildebeest and zebra migration across the Serengeti in East Africa.
The previous record for a single journey by African wild dogs was 2,418 miles, achieved by a different group in 2012. Dr. Matt Becker, chief executive of the Zambian Carnivore Programme, noted that these journeys highlight the natural connections between Africa's wildlife habitats. However, he emphasized the challenges and dangers that these animals face in their quest for survival.
The researchers monitored 19 groups of wild dogs, including a group of sisters who were less successful in finding new territories. Tragically, two of the sisters died, likely due to snares, but not before having a poignant reunion with their brothers in Zambia’s copper-belt mining region. The siblings spent a day together before parting ways again, as related dogs typically do not form new family packs.
Currently, there are only about 6,600 adult African wild dogs left, spread across 39 distinct populations. The species is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Major threats to their survival include habitat loss, declining natural prey, snares set by bushmeat hunters, and conflicts with humans.
Researchers assert that the journey of the three brothers demonstrates that African wild dogs can still thrive in the wild, despite the significant challenges they encounter. The findings underscore the importance of preserving connected landscapes to support wildlife movements and ensure the survival of this endangered species.


Photo provided by : The Guardian


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