African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus)

[Spalea]

Beverly Joubert: " There are not many sounds in the African bush that go unnoticed by painted dogs. Equipped with satellite-dish ears, this alpha male is tuned in to every murmur in his surroundings. His ears are lined with muscles so he can swivel them like radar dishes, detecting even the softest of sounds. Painted dogs rank among the most successful of Africa’s predators, in large part, thanks to the unique dynamics of their social structure. While many social carnivores settle internal disputes aggressively, painted dogs usually resort to submissive behaviour to help strengthen pack bonds. Lions squabble for scraps, but these canines have learned to share, and it is this cooperation – combined with their biological adaptations – that make painted dogs truly impressive predators. "

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