Latest news with #Canidae
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Meet the wild dog with the highest hunting success rate in the world
When people think of top predators in the wild, lions, leopards, or wolves usually come to mind. These iconic hunters are often seen as the kings and queens of the food chain. But there's another predator, less famous yet exceptionally efficient, that outperforms them all when it comes to successful hunts. Often overshadowed by bigger or more charismatic carnivores, African wild dogs are one of nature's most effective hunters. These wild dogs are well known for their speed, strategy, and teamwork; they have evolved into exceptional predators that have the highest kill success rate among large carnivores. Despite their good hunting abilities, these animals remain one of Africa's most endangered species, struggling to survive in shrinking habitats and against fierce competition from larger carnivores. The apex predator with the most successful kills With their lean frames and oversized ears, African wild dogs may look harmless, but they are among the most lethal hunters in the wild. According to BBC Wildlife Magazine, they have a 'kill rate per chase of more than 85 percent,' which is far higher than the roughly 25% success rate seen in lions. This extraordinary efficiency is mostly due to their coordination and pack dynamics during hunts. A study conducted in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park revealed that pack size significantly affects hunting success. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dolly Parton, 79, Takes off Her Makeup and Leaves Us Without Words The Noodle Box Undo According to the findings, 'the success of a pack... was influenced by the age of the prey and the number of dogs hunting together,' while factors like distance from prey or available cover didn't play much of a role. Solo hunters among wild dogs often brought down smaller prey like Thomson's gazelles. However, it took larger packs to tackle tougher targets. 'Groups of two did not hunt adult wildebeest successfully,' while bigger groups could even kill calves of blue wildebeests. The study also suggested that hunting in groups 'reduced interspecific competition from spotted hyenas… through improved defence of carcasses. ' Despite this efficiency, African wild dogs often lose their hard-earned meals to larger predators. 'They may lose half of their kills… to other carnivores such as hyenas and lions,' BBC Wildlife Magazine reports. Taxonomically, African wild dogs are unique. Though part of the Canidae family, they don't belong to the Canis genus like wolves and domestic dogs. As BBC explains, 'African wild dogs are now considered close to the base of the wolf-like canids,' making them evolutionary outliers. Yet, despite their remarkable hunting skills and social intelligence, African wild dogs are classified as Endangered. Their greatest challenge isn't the lack of prey, but habitat loss, human conflict, and competition from bigger carnivores.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why does my dog eat grass? What we know and some foods your dog should avoid
Spring is in full swing, and summer is following right behind. It's time to go outside and play with your puppy. But, as your grass gets greener and the dog plays more, you might see him or her eating grass like a Jersey cow. Some people say dogs eat grass when they are nauseous to throw up. Others say it's because the dogs are hungry or bored. According to we don't know, but scientists have a few theories. Dogs' instinctive behavior: The dogs' wolf ancestors ate grass and animals such as wolves, jackals, foxes and coyotes – all from the Canidae family – eat grass. It could just be the way of the dog. Supplementing a missing nutrient: A study involved a dog with a seven-year history of eating grass and then vomiting. After being put on a high-fiber diet, the situation resolved itself. Generally, dogs don't digest grass; it just passes through their system. Your dog is hungry: Simple enough. If you take a dog out before dinner, they may see the grass as an appetizer or something to tide them over before supper. Puppies are curious: You know how sometimes children eat dirt. Well, puppies sometimes eat grass and, in some cases, the pups like the taste of grass. Yes, dogs can eat grass, but they probably shouldn't. While the grass doesn't pose any problems to the dog, what could be on the grass can cause problems. Pesticides, fertilizer or fecal matter could be on the grass your dog walks on or eats. All three could be detrimental to your dog's health. has a few suggestions to help: Keep your dog on a leash. Time your outings for after meals when your dog's stomach is full. Use positive reinforcement and give your dog alternatives. Give your dog grass you grew yourself without toxins. A place for dogs to play: A new Wawa is approved and a dog park is proposed in Newark Here's a list of foods your dog shouldn't eat from the American Kennel Club and Alcohol Apricots Almonds Avocados Cherries Chives Chocolate Cinnamon Garlic Grapes Ice cream Macadamia nuts Onions Peaches Plums Xylitol This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Why does my dog eat grass?Foods your dog should not eat
