The Golden Pack: Wild Dogs of the Okavango Delta

The African wild dog is one of the most endangered mammals on Earth, with only around 6,600 individuals left in the wild. Some of the continent’s most efficient predators, these highly social creatures band together to form large packs made of up dozens of dogs to coordinate breeding and cooperatively hunt for prey. Also known as painted dogs, each one has a distinctive coat, with some packs sharing common coloring and patterns on their brindled fur. Botswana’s famous “Golden Pack” of wild dogs in the Okavango Delta offers a compelling case study for us to better understand and appreciate these cunning canids. Expedition Leader Russell Gerber will share stories about these wild dogs’ social structures, family dynamics, hunting techniques and survival strategies. Russell will also detail fascinating facts about these African carnivores drawn from his zoology and biology degrees (and his 17 years of safari guiding experience). You will also learn about some of the conservation strategies seeking to protect these endangered dogs in Botswana and beyond.


Originally presented May 28, 2021

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