Who is the most underrated predator in the animal kingdom?

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African Hunting Dogs

These ones are about to drop 2018’s hottest hip hop album. (Credit: Will Burrard-Lucas)

What animal do you think is the most successful when it comes to hunts?

Nope, it’s not lions, tigers, hyenas or wolves (not by a long shot) or even cheetahs—it’s African hunting dogs. I guess the name gives an indication of their prowess.

They might not look like the most fearsome predators, but these animals, otherwise known as African wild dogs, are extremely efficient hunters and a perfect example that “teamwork makes the dream work.”

Figures on success rates vary. The Guinness World Records gives the most conservative estimate at 50–70% of hunts ending in a kill: (Most successful predator). Other sources claim numbers as high as 85%: (Hunting success rates: how predators compare), while wikipedia gives a figure of 60–90%, compared to up to 30% for both lions and hyenas.

Who’s laughing now, hyenas?! (Credit: Joel Sartore)

Whatever the figure, the consensus is that these dogs are at the top of the predator leaderboard, and by a considerable margin. What makes them so successful though?

Well, they’re very social animals and both live and hunt in large packs. They prefer to take down antelope, though they can also tackle larger animals such as wildebeest. Their method involves pursuit at a high pace (up to 40mph).

From wikipedia:

The average chase typically only goes as far as 2 km, during which time the prey animal, if large, is repeatedly bitten on the legs, belly, and rump until it stops running, while smaller prey is simply pulled down and torn apart. L. pictus hunting strategies differ according to prey, with wildebeest being rushed at to panic the herd and isolate a vulnerable individual, whereas territorial antelope species, which defend themselves by running in wide circles, are captured by cutting off their escape routes.

There you go. Versatile and work well as a team. Plus they have cute puppies.

(Credit: Zooborns)

Severely underrated.