Factors Affecting the Density and Distribution of Wild Dogs in the Kruger National Park

African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) are a seriously endangered species with only around 5000 individuals left. We examined the factors likely to be affecting the distribution and density of wild dogs living in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. We collected data, by traditional and satellite radio-tracking, on diet selection, sizes of packs, dispersion and sizes of territories, and patterns of habitat selection for eight packs of wild dogs. In Kruger wild dogs specialize on impala (Aepyceros melampus) and kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros). They live in packs averaging about nine dogs and inhabit territories of 350-950 km2. Neighboring territories overlap to some extent but packs meet very rarely. The dispersion pattern of food plays only a minor role in determining the density and distribution of dogs in the Kruger; dogs exist at their lowest density where their food is most abundant. This apparent paradox comes about because the dogs seem to avoid areas that, although prey-rich, are heavily used by lions. This is a sensible strategy because lions are a major cause of dog mortality, accounting for some 39% of natural pup deaths and at least 43% of natural adult deaths. Wild dogs may be conserved most successfully in areas with moderate to low densities of lions and spotted hyenas, and management strategies should be careful not to promote these species to the detriment of wild dogs and other carnivores. The densities of lions and spotted hyenas should be important criteria when considering an area for the reintroduction of wild dogs and other similar sized carnivores.