Did you know that wild dog pack members contribute towards pup care? A few months back we reported that the Conservancy was home to nine new puppies ... Well we are excited to inform you that the pups are doing great.

They have since left their dens and split into two packs; one comprising five adults and five puppies and the other of two adults and four puppies. The former is resident on Ol Pejeta while the latter ranges beyond Ol Pejeta within the larger Laikipia ecosystem. The Ecological Monitoring Unit informs us that splitting up is normal behaviour amongst these endangered species. Wild dogs have also been observed to habitually change their dens as the pups grow - a common phenomenon as the parents introduce the pups to their home ranges. They generally avoid areas of high prey densities since these attract mega carnivores leading to unnecessary competition, fights and quite often death.

Though wild dogs frequently move, the pack on Ol Pejeta has made the Eastern sector its home for the past few months. Interestingly many of the sightings of these lovely creatures are reported along Conservancy road sides. This is said to be their preferred resting place.

The wild dog pack on Ol Pejeta Conservancy is often being spoted along Conservancy road signs. © Blair Roberts	It's a dog's life! © Carol Ng'weno

How about you take some time off to visit the Ol Pejeta Conservancy...who knows you might just be lucky to have a glimpse of the wild dogs hunting or lying by the road.

Interesting wild dog facts:
The gestation period of the wild dog lasts 70 days and the mother usually gives birth to seven babies. Wild dog puppies suckle for about 100 days after they are born. Wild dogs are the most effective hunters of the savannah and will never eat killed animals from other predators. The tip of the tail of the wild dog is white, which is used as a signal to show other pack members where they are while hunting at night. While hunting they make sharp noises, close to birds sounds. When there is a threat for the pack they bark and when there is danger around the little ones they whine.