**African Wild Dogs Trek Thousands of Kilometres to Find Mates, Study Shows**
Recent research has revealed that African wild dogs are capable of traveling over 4,000 kilometers (approximately 2,500 miles) across the African continent in search of mates. This finding underscores the interconnectedness of the endangered species' populations, which may be more extensive than previously understood. The study, published in the journal *Ecology*, tracked the movements of wild dog groups across vast stretches of human-influenced landscapes in Zambia and into or near five neighboring countries.
Among the notable findings, three male wild dogs, referred to as brothers, covered a remarkable distance of 4,126 kilometers over the span of eight months. This journey marks the longest recorded dispersal for any African mammal. In total, four separate dispersing groups of wild dogs traveled a combined distance of 9,863 kilometers, which is more than double the width of the United States.
Scott Creel, the lead author of the study and a professor at Montana State University, expressed surprise at the findings, stating, “I have studied wild dogs since 1991 and would not have imagined that in 2026 we would conclude that most of the critical wild dog populations in Eastern and Southern Africa probably remain connected.”
African wild dogs typically live in strict hierarchical packs, where only the dominant breeding pair reproduces. Subordinate members, particularly those aged two to three years, are compelled to disperse in search of mates and to establish new territories. The study highlights the dual motivations for dispersal: subordinates may either wait to ascend to a dominant position within their pack or seek immediate breeding opportunities elsewhere.
However, the journeys of these wild dogs are fraught with danger. Many of the dispersing individuals fall victim to wire snares set for bushmeat hunting. A poignant example includes a female wild dog, designated EWD-1355, who traveled 2,300 kilometers from Zambia into Mozambique before succumbing to a snare in June 2022.
The research was conducted by the Zambian Carnivore Programme, which utilized GPS collars to monitor the dogs as they navigated complex terrains, including rivers, major roads, and the Great Rift Valley escarpment, while also avoiding urban areas and lakes. Matt Becker, CEO of the Zambian Carnivore Programme, remarked, “The dogs are showing us that connectivity still works; now we need to do more to protect and strengthen it.”
Zambia, where much of the study took place, has seen its human population increase by approximately 50 percent since 2010, leading to significant fragmentation of wildlife habitats. Despite nearly 40 percent of the country being designated for conservation, funding for these initiatives remains severely limited.
African wild dogs are currently classified as endangered, with an estimated population of around 6,600 adults remaining across 39 distinct populations. They face numerous threats, including habitat fragmentation, declining prey availability, snares, diseases, and conflicts with humans. The research advocates for the protection of migration corridors, which could play a crucial role in enhancing wild dog conservation efforts across the continent.
As the study highlights the extensive travel and interconnectedness of African wild dog populations, it also emphasizes the urgent need for conservation strategies that address the challenges these animals face in their quest for survival and reproduction.