African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus)

[Spalea]

Beverly Joubert: " Gesundheit*! It’s not uncommon to see painted dogs sneeze as they begin to stir from their sleep in preparation for the hunt. Some research even suggests that sneezing is used as a kind of voting system that helps the pack make group decisions. Painted dogs are highly efficient social hunters, so communication and cohesion are key. Hunts are preceded by a sort of “social rally” in which the dogs dash about and touch heads while wagging their tails frantically. In some instances, the frenzy fizzles out and the dogs settle down to snooze, but other rallies end in a hunt. Researchers have noticed that the more sneezing that happens in these pre-hunt rituals, the greater the chances are that the dogs will go on to chase down prey. When an alpha male like this initiates the sneezing, far fewer sneezes are required to get the pack moving. It’s possible that the dogs do this to clear their nasal passages as they get ready to hunt, but it does seem to also serve as a form of communication. There is still so much we have to learn about the wonders of the wild! "

* Gesundheit ! = cheers ! Reply