Lions (Panthera leo): Lions are the most significant competitors of African wild dogs. Lions are larger, stronger predators that often prey on the same animals as wild dogs, such as antelopes and wildebeest. Lions also kill African wild dog pups and, sometimes, adult wild dogs.
Spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta): Spotted hyenas are highly adaptable and opportunistic predators that often compete with African wild dogs directly. Hyenas are well-known for their scavenging behavior, but they also actively hunt and prey on many herbivores species. They are known for their aggressive behavior and can quickly outnumber and overpower wild dogs, often stealing kills from them.
Leopards (Panthera pardus): Leopards are solitary, ambush predators that target a wide range of prey, including animals that African wild dogs hunt. Leopards are powerful and agile, allowing them to successfully compete with wild dogs for food.
Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus): Cheetahs primarily prey on smaller ungulates, such as gazelles and impalas. Although cheetahs have different hunting strategies than wild dogs due to their speed-based predation, they can occasionally compete for prey when their hunting grounds overlap.
Vultures (various species): Vultures are scavengers that often compete with African wild dogs for carcasses. Vultures can quickly descend upon a kill and consume significant portions of it, leaving less food for wild dogs and other predators.