A misunderstood species

A misunderstood species

Credit: BBC America

The fourth episode of BBC America's new series, "Dynasties," follows two packs of painted wolves (also called African wild dogs) living in Mara Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. Catch the episode this Saturday, Feb. 9 at 9 p.m. EST/8 p.m. CST on BBC America. Viewers can still watch the first episode, "Lion," online for free.

A legendary matriarch

A legendary matriarch

Credit: BBC America

This is Tait at 10.5 years old. Tait was a very successful alpha female who reared eight litters of pups. There are only 6,600 painted wolves left in the world, and about 280 are from Tait's bloodline.

Alpha-in-training

Alpha-in-training

Credit: Nick Lyon/BBC America

Tammy (standing) is one of Tait's grown daughters. The BBC America crew followed Tammy from the time she was 6 months old until David Attenborough met her at 4 years old. Eventually, Tammy stepped into her mother's position as leader of the pack.

On the run

On the run

Credit: BBC America

Painted wolves are one of Africa's most efficient hunters, but they're vulnerable to serious leg injury when running across large, deep footprints left behind from herds of elephants. [Video: Elephants Aren't Fans of Painted Wolves]

Baboon hunters

Baboon hunters

Credit: BBC America

Most predators in the animal kingdom know better than to go after prey that could seriously hurt them, but Africa's painted wolves don't seem too concerned about that. This week's episode of "Dynasties" presents the first time painted wolves have been documented hunting and eating baboons — a primate species that's well known for retaliating violently against its predators.

Family drama

Family drama

Credit: Nick Lyon/BBC America

Blacktip is another one of Tait's grown daughters, and the alpha female of a rival pack. Blacktip successfully reared a litter of 10 puppies, which made her pack bigger than Tait's; it also allowed her to drive Tait's pack out of their territory.

Practice punch

Practice punch

Credit: Nick Lyon/BBC America

Tait play-fights with one of her relatives. Life in the African wilderness can be rough, but there's still time for wrestling. Playtime is an important pastime for this incredibly social species.

Show me your teeth

Show me your teeth

Credit: Nick Lyon/BBC America

Tammy, Tait's daughter, shows off her teeth. Painted wolves are more closely related to wolves than domestic dogs. Like their many canine relatives, painted wolves come with an impressive set of sharp teeth.

Curious pup

Curious pup

Credit: BBC America

Painted wolf pups are born with mottled caramel, black and white coats that become more striking as they grow. Pups are weaned at around 5 weeks old, at which point they'll eat regurgitated food from their fellow adult pack members.

Returning with force

Returning with force

Credit: Nick Lyon/BBC America

With a few new males, Tammy's pack is strong enough to win back her mother's old territory.

Leaders of the pack

Leaders of the pack

Credit: Nick Lyon/BBC America

Tammy, the alpha female, stands next to Twiza, her alpha male. Painted wolves grow up to 30 inches (75 centimeters) tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 55 lbs. (25 kilograms).

Traveling together

Traveling together

Credit: Nick Lyon/BBC America

Painted wolves live in packs of two to 30 individuals, although most packs have around 10 members, according to the Painted Wolf Foundation. A single alpha female makes virtually all the decisions for the pack, including where to go and when to hunt.

Always on watch

Always on watch

Credit: Nick Lyon/BBC America

As the leader of her pack, Tammy stays on alert for nearby threats. The painted wolves live alongside lions and other, larger predators in Mara Pools National Park.