African painted dogs (Lycaon pictus) are often described as strictly carnivorous, highly specialized pack hunters that rely almost entirely on meat. But a recent field study from northern Botswana reveals something unexpected: African painted dogs have been observed eating fruit.

Researchers observed a denning pack in the Okavango Delta repeatedly foraging under jackalberry trees (Diospyros mespiliformis), carefully picking up fallen berries and swallowing them whole. This behavior was recorded over 20 out of 27 observation days, involving multiple pack members, often right before hunts.

This is the first documented case of frugivory (fruit-eating) in African painted dogs — a species long thought to be “hyper-carnivorous.”

Why this is very cool?

• 🍓 It shows dietary flexibility, even in highly specialized predators
• 🌱 It suggests painted dogs may play a small role in seed dispersal
• 🐾 It challenges rigid ideas about what wild carnivores “should” eat
• 🌍 It reminds us that animal behavior is shaped by opportunity, culture, and environment

Other canids like foxes, jackals, and maned wolves are known to eat fruit — and now African painted dogs join that list.

Nature is always more complex, adaptive, and surprising than we assume.

📖 Source

Claase, M.J. & McNutt, J.W. (2025). Frugivory in African wild dogs in northern Botswana. Canid Biology & Conservation, 28(4): 15–18. African_wild_dog_frugivory