Leopard and Wild Dogs Meet Across The Road

Leopard and Wild Dogs Meet Across The Road

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The African Leopard and the African Wild Dog are two of the most vicious predators found throughout the wilderness of sub-Saharan Africa.

The leopard is an impressive animal — boasting an athletic, stocky frame and camouflaged fur. These animals are typically gold or tawny in color with a dense pattern of black rosettes, distinguishing them from their jaguar relatives. 

Leopards are exceptionally adaptable, persisting throughout both rainforest and desert habitats and at extremely varying elevations.

They also adapt their diets to their habitats, making for a broad range of available prey. Rodents, birds, and antelopes are among their primary targets.

African wild dog or painted hunting dog (Lycaon pictus), Sabie-Sand nature reserve, South Africa
African wild dog or painted hunting dog (Lycaon pictus), Sabie-Sand nature reserve, South Africa

Leopards and wild dogs have long been rivals, as they share habitats and hypercarnivorous characteristics.

African wild dogs are pack hunters, capable of forming strong social bonds. Thus it is rare for them to be found living in solitary. They hunt primarily during the day, preferring to target groups of medium-sized antelopes.

Leopard peeping through long grass in the wild
Leopard peeping through long grass in the wild

The African Leopard, on the other hand, is a solitary creature. It utilizes stealth and climbing skill to catch its prey, preferring to hunt at night. A meeting between leopards and wild dogs is rare as they are usually active at different times of the day.

A leopard could easily kill a single wild dog, but wild dogs are masterful pack-hunters, and the leopard stands no chance against a whole pack of these vicious canids.