Rightfully known as a top-tier predator, even surpassing lions, leopards, or hyenas, a lone wild dog can take down an antelope. However, lacking a pack, the wild dog is easily outmaneuvered by hyenas and leopards.
A report from the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity indicates that wildlife, including animals and plants, globally faces numerous threats from climate change, habitat destruction, and the illegal hunting and trafficking of rare and endangered species.
In less than half a century, two-thirds of global populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish have vanished.
Compared to the early 19th century, about 20% of terrestrial animal and plant species have disappeared. Statistics paint a grim picture of the future of biodiversity on Earth.
The sharp decline in animal populations equates to dwindling food sources, leading to increasingly fierce competition for survival among wild species. All animals are at risk of becoming collateral damage in the natural food chain.
Mr. Gabi Hotz, a 31-year-old psychology expert, while enjoying a sunny day in Djuma Sabi Sand within the Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa, unexpectedly witnessed the brutal reality of the wild.
On that sunny afternoon, Hotz was lying back, relaxing and enjoying the serene view of the tranquil lake and drifting clouds when suddenly, a loud noise interrupted the peaceful atmosphere he was enjoying.
An impala was sprinting at an incredible speed of over 60 km/h, closely pursued by a solitary wild dog. Despite its high speed, the impala could not outlast the wild dog and had to plunge into the water.
On an unfortunate day, the impala’s efforts were not enough to escape the grim reaper’s grasp.
The impala quickly tries to escape but cannot evade the wild dog.
Even after being brought down by the wild dog, the impala was further tormented by a hyena, which had witnessed the entire chase from start to finish. Known for scavenging prey, the hyena rushed in to snatch a piece of meat before retreating to a corner to feast alone.
Not far away, in the dense thicket, another opportunist was waiting to join the feast.
Fortune smiled on the leopard when a herd of elephants passed by, creating a loud commotion. This, combined with the large pack of wild dogs approaching, distracted the wild dog. “Quick as a flash”, the leopard seized the entire impala carcass and dragged it onto a nearby branch to enjoy a fresh meal with minimal effort.
