Three African wild dog brothers have set a new record for the longest recorded dispersal by an African mammal, travelling 4,126 kilometres over eight months across human-dominated landscapes in southern Africa.
The findings, published in _Ecology_, tracked 19 groups of wild dogs using GPS collars as they moved across Zambia and into or near five neighbouring countries.
Researchers say the journeys provide evidence that wildlife corridors connecting major protected areas remain functional despite expanding farms, roads, towns, and mining activities.
However, the journeys also highlighted the dangers facing the endangered species.
Several monitored dogs were killed by wire snares used for bushmeat, including some that had travelled more than 2,000 kilometres.
The study found that 14 dogs in the four groups that travelled the furthest covered almost 10,000 kilometres collectively.
The animals crossed rivers and major roads, skirted cities and lakes, and travelled through Zambia’s Copperbelt mining region.
Researchers say the findings strengthen the case for protecting community lands, buffer zones, and wildlife corridors between national parks.
African wild dogs are classified as endangered species, with about 6,600 adults estimated to remain in 39 populations across Africa.
By Prudence Chota
