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The small population size of wild dog Lycaon pictus (10) in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park (HUP) and the decline in their numbers since 1992, has caused concern for their survival and consideration of further introductions. In the light of many failed wild dog relocation and reintroduction programmes, this study contributes towards an understanding of the ecology of the HUP wild dog pack. Wild dog prey preference was determined from scat analysis and personal observations, and their potential impact on the primary prey species was modelled. The choice of physical habitat features by wild dog and their ranging behaviour within the Park were correlated with the distribution of their primary prey and other predators. To determine the susceptibility of prey to predation in three reserves with different predator diversities and densities, prey vigilance and prey response to playback recordings of predator calls were recorded. The results showed that wild dog preference for females, adult nyala Tragelaphus angasi and juvenile impala Aepyceros melampus, was a function of prey abundance