Her team completed a study on the findings. Heather Smith is a researcher at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. The animals have been recorded running at least 64 kilometers an hour for up to an hour during a hunt. They can travel up to 50 kilometers a day. Groups of 20 to 30 African wild dogs often hunt together in search of prey. In addition, the team observed a reduction in muscles that normally act to turn the wrist and forearm, possibly demonstrating an increased demand for stability. They also identified tissue material on the front paw that may help launch the dogs forward. The researchers also saw expansions in limb muscles containing nerve tissue thought to resist tiredness.
The muscles related to this digit have been re-formed and are used to help with “proprioception” - the body’s awareness of its position and movement. The discovery was made through computer imaging methods and an examination of an African wild dog that died of natural causes at an animal park.Ī pack of critically endangered African wild dogs lies on a riverbed after killing and eating a Bushbuck n the Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site, in northern Zimbabwe November 7, 2009.
#Hyenas vs wild dogs skin#
The new research identifies a small, hidden first digit under the skin of the front feet, or paws.
#Hyenas vs wild dogs full#
Scientists say having only four full toes supports increased speed and longer jumps.
The African wild dog is the only dog-like animal that has only four digits on the front paws. Other animals depend on different hunting skills to catch prey, including speed, strength and quiet, secret movements.Ī new study of this endangered animal has identified important changes that happened over time that permit the African wild dog to hunt this way. The animal chases its prey over long distances until the target gets so tired it collapses. It differs from other predators – such as lions and hyenas - because it uses an unusual hunting method. The African wild dog is native to southern and eastern Africa. A study of the African wild dog has identified unusual physical changes that support the animal’s ability to run for long periods while hunting prey.
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