Three brothers leave home

Three endangered African wild dogs left their pack in Zambia last year to find their own territory, a natural process called dispersal when young dogs come of age.

A record-breaking 2,500-mile journey

The brothers travelled more than 2,500 miles over eight months, making it the longest-ever recorded single journey of any mammal from Africa. From point to point, they covered 340 miles, also a record.

Dodging cars, hunters, and snares

The dogs navigated a human-dominated landscape filled with bushmeat snares, hunters, and vehicles. Their sisters faced worse odds: two died, probably caught in snares.

A brief reunion in the copper belt

Two months into their journey, the brothers and sisters met by chance in Zambia's mining region, spending a day together before separating to continue their search for mates.

“Two months after they set out, the brothers and sisters met again, spending a day together before separating.”

Why connectivity matters for survival

Scientists tracked 19 wild dog groups and found that natural connections between Africa's wildlife strongholds still exist. The journey shows that protecting connected landscapes is crucial for endangered species.

“These extraordinary journeys show that natural connections between Africa's wildlife strongholds still exist.”

Only 6,600 wild dogs remain

African wild dogs are classified as endangered, with just 6,600 adults across 39 populations. Habitat loss, declining prey, snares, and human conflict threaten their survival.

A blueprint for conservation

The brothers' survival proves wild dogs can still thrive in human landscapes if we protect corridors between protected areas. Regional cooperation across five countries is keeping space for wildlife to move.

“If we conserve and continue to improve these connections, a lot of species like wild dogs can make the rest happen.”