The African Wild Dog (Lycaon Pictus) - Effect Of Housing On Reproduction Rate

Abstract

The African wild dog (Lycaon Pictus) is a cooperative breeder and, in captivity usually, housed in packs. A pack of wild dogs produces one, rarely two litters a year, regardless of the number of animals in the pack. This litter is produced by the alpha and sometimes the beta female, and sired by multiple males. This research hypothesized that housing African wild dogs in opposite sex pairs (as opposed to housing them in a group) has a positive effect on the reproductive rate (i.e. number of litters produced in one season), and that it is mediated by reproductive behaviour. Four pairs were selected for this research and were observed for fifty-five days during the reproductive season. Two out of the four couples produced a litter. All pairs showed reproductive behaviour, however the two pairs that produced a litter showed significantly more activity. The results might have been biased by locating the enclosures too close to each other and by the age difference between the males. The number of animals that was used for this research was therefore too small to draw definite conclusions. This research should be considered as a basis for further research on the subject.