PAINTED WOLVES
The African wild dog is one of our most enigmatic creatures and also one of the world’s most endangered. Photographer Nicholas Dyer spent six years following three packs on foot in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe. This is what he saw
Photographer Nick Dyer loves African wild dogs – so much so, he spent six years with the packs in Mana Pools.
ABOVE Many confuse wild dogs with hyenas. This Mexican standoff shows the difference in their appearance; hyenas are about twice the size of an average wild dog and are more closely related to cats. Wild dogs are only very distantly related to domestic dogs, their scientific name Lycaon pictus translates as ‘painted wolf’.
OPPOSITE TOP Pups are curious by nature and would often approach Nicholas while he was lying flat on the ground taking shots. RIGHT He witnessed elephants charging wild dogs whenever they were in close proximity to each other. The dogs seemed to find it amusing, and nimbly dodged the attacks.
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Nicholas Dyer grew up in Kenya and after careers in finance and marketing in the UK, forged a new direction as a wildlife photographer, author and conservationist with a deep passion for African wild dogs. While photographing them in Mana Pools – the same packs as those featured in David Attenborough’s BBC series Dynasties – he lived in a tent on the banks of the Zambezi and took all his photographs while on foot. ‘When I approach a lion, elephant or painted wolf and it accepts my presence then a real connection is made,’ he explained. ‘We are sharing a moment and it’s this that I try to capture. It’s about restoring our link with nature.’
Nicholas is a founder of the Painted Wolf Foundation and frequently gives talks around the world on this neglected species. He also leads specialist photographic safaris so that people can experience these amazing creatures.
See more of his photography at nicholasdyer.com.