Dangerous game: preferential predation on baboons by African wild dogs in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Abstract

When selecting prey, carnivores optimise energy gained when consuming prey against energy spent when pursuing and subduing prey. Additionally, predators seem to preferentially predate on prey which presents a low risk of injury. When defending itself against predators, baboons (Papio spp.) can inflict serious injury and cause mortality. Although part of Africa’s large carnivores’ diet, predation on baboons is usually avoided. We investigated prey selection patterns of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe. Based on direct and indirect observations and analyses of faecal samples, we show that baboons form a substantial part of the African wild dog diet and were more frequently predated on than would be expected based on availability. Predation on baboons did not vary over baboon sex or age classes but was affected by seasonality. This is the first study to describe a preference for predation on this unusual prey species.

Food resource competition between African wild dogs and larger carnivores in an ecosystem with artificial water provision

“…In this area, wild dogs preferred prey included a wider range of prey species (i.e. sable, reedbuck, gemsbok [ Oryx gazelle ] and baboon [ Papio ursinus ]), which were avoided in the high and maximum‐density areas, possibly because these species are more dangerous to hunt (Van der Meer et al., 2019 ). Wild dogs would tend to avoid hunting these species to avoid any potential fitness costs imposed by hunting dangerous prey.…”

Coprophagy of African wild dog faeces by spotted hyaenas and hooded vultures in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

“…As part of a long‐term ecological study (van der Meer et al, 2019), data from six radio‐collared African wild dog packs were collected between September 2017 and November 2020, including both the denning season (May–August), when pups are too small to follow the pack and movement is restricted because the pack needs to return to the den (Malcolm & Marten, 1982), and the nomadic season. A receiver and directional antenna were used to locate and keep track of a pack.…”

“…As part of a long-term ecological study (van der Meer et al, 2019), data from six radio-collared African wild dog packs were collected between September 2017 and November 2020, including both the denning season (May-August), when pups are too small to follow the pack and movement is restricted because the pack needs to return to the den (Malcolm & Marten, 1982) Coprophagy by spotted hyaenas took place while African wild dogs were resting (35.1%) but also when they were on a kill (18.9%), hunting (21.6%) or engaged in other activities (24.3%), whereas coprophagy by hooded vultures predominantly occurred when African wild dogs were resting (78.9%). Most coprophagy by spotted hyaenas (93.5%) and hooded vultures (83.3%) happened when they were already following (present before a kill was made) an African wild dog pack.…”