Wild Dogs, Klipspringers & an Evening at MalaMala

Who’s on the Podcast

Steff McWilliam – Ranger at MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa

Steff McWilliam is a MalaMala ranger with a background in hands-on wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. Her work has included raising Cape clawless otters at the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital and contributing to Sunda pangolin conservation in Vietnam.

Recorded while out on drive, this episode of Sundowner Sessions begins with two missing lion cubs. The young lions have not been seen with the rest of the pride and are jokingly declared “at large” while Steff plans the evening’s search along the banks of the Sand River..

From there, she recalls one of the most memorable sightings of her guiding career: 21 wild dogs pursuing a family of three klipspringers along the Mluwati River.

With the pack closing in, the klipspringers raced towards a granite outcrop. Each arrived from a different direction but found the same narrow ledge, just beyond the dogs’ reach.

For around 45 minutes, the young klipspringer remained still, watching his parents and following their example. The adult wild dogs soon realised the family was unreachable and moved on. The younger dogs were far less willing to give up.

“It was so much more than a sighting. It was such an amazing insight into the behavior of these animals.”

The encounter revealed how well the klipspringers understood both their territory and the predator pursuing them. Steff explains that the ledge may have protected them from wild dogs, but it would not necessarily have offered the same safety from a leopard or lion.

She was particularly struck by the young klipspringer, whose instinct would have been to run. Instead, he remained still and looked to his parents for guidance. It was a remarkable example of how young animals learn from the behaviour of the adults around them.

Steff admits guides try not to choose between predator and prey, but on this occasion, she was “heavily, heavily invested” in the klipspringers.

Watch “INCREDIBLE! Wild Dogs Hunt Klipspringers” on YouTube

From MalaMala to Pangolin Conservation in Vietnam

The conversation also explores Steff’s conservation work with Sunda pangolins in Vietnam.

Unlike the Temminck’s pangolin, or ground pangolin, found in South Africa, Sunda pangolins are smaller and more arboreal. They are remarkably capable tree climbers, although there are close similarities between the two species in their diet and foraging habits.

Sunda pangolins have the widest distribution of the Asian pangolins, occurring across countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. This extensive range also makes them particularly vulnerable to illegal wildlife trafficking.

“They're very, very good little tree climbers.”

A Quick Guide to Asian Pangolins

Asia is home to several distinct pangolin species, each adapted to its own landscape:

• Sunda pangolin: Found across Southeast Asia, this smaller, largely arboreal species is an accomplished tree climber. Its extensive range also makes it particularly vulnerable to illegal wildlife trafficking.

• Philippine pangolin: Native to the Palawan island group, this elusive species was once considered part of the Sunda pangolin family but is now recognised as distinct.

• Indian pangolin: Found across parts of India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, it is distinguished by its large body scales and predominantly ground-dwelling habits.

• Chinese pangolin: Native to parts of East and Southeast Asia, this species has a shorter tail and larger ears than the Sunda pangolin. It is also more closely associated with burrows and life on the ground

Recent genetic research has identified possible additional lineages, including the Indo-Burmese pangolin and Manis mysteria. Their classification continues to evolve as scientists uncover more about Asia’s remarkably secretive pangolins.

Quick Interesting Things About Steff

• MalaMala call sign: 48
• Favourite animal: Cape clawless otter
• Animal impression: Baby rhino

Cape clawless otters became Steff’s favourite after she helped raise two at the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital. She describes them as intelligent, dexterous and undeniably naughty.

Listen to the end of the episode to hear Steff’s surprisingly convincing baby rhino impression.

Listen Now!

Follow Steff’s Adventures

Follow @wild_is_life for more wildlife encounters and everyday moments from Steff’s life as a ranger at MalaMala.