The threats against them are innumerable. Whilst we are all excited about the prospect of the ‘return’ of wild dogs into the landscape, we are all very aware of the multiple hurdles and challenges that stand in their way.
Could this be an area in which they decide to den? That would be a dream come true. Fortuitously this area is home to the largest, and tallest, hills in the landscape thickly vegetated and offering great overage and refuge for the pack. National Geographic grantee Rosemary Groom is among the many advocates who are working to ensure the continued survival of African wild dogs.We are still not sure of exactly where these dogs have come from, but they appear to have settled in the far north of the conservancies around Enonkishu, Lemek and Ol Chorro. These include awareness initiatives that dispel myths about the animals as well as educational initiations that offer farmers training in livestock management techniques that prevent depredation. Conservation groups are also working on initiatives that reduce conflict between humans and African wild dogs. ConservationĪfrican wild dogs are among the many species that benefit from the creation of protected wildlife corridors that help connect their increasingly fragmented habitats. The International Union for Conservation of Nature reports that the population level of African wild dogs fluctuates but is in a likely irreversible decline, which is why it considers this species to be endangered. They are also threatened by shrinking space to roam in their African home as well as their susceptibility to diseases like rabies and canine distemper. Unfortunately, African wild dogs are often hunted and killed by farmers who fear for their livestock. As human settlements expand, the dogs have sometimes developed a taste for livestock, though significant damage is rare and most dogs prefer wild prey.
The dogs supplement their diet with rodents and birds. Packs hunt antelopes and will also tackle much larger prey, such as wildebeests, particularly if their quarry is ill or injured. Larger packs were more common before the dogs became endangered. Social interactions are common, and the dogs communicate by touch, actions, and vocalizations.Īfrican wild dogs hunt in formidable, cooperative packs of six to 20 (or more) animals. These dogs are very social, and packs have been known to share food and to assist weak or ill members. The female has a litter of two to 20 pups, which are cared for by the entire pack. Pack behavior and huntingĪfrican wild dogs live in packs that are usually dominated by a monogamous breeding pair. Their largest populations can be found in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. These days, African wild dogs typically roam the open plains and sparse woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. Though they were once found throughout the continent-from desert to mountain habitats-African wild dogs have disappeared from most of their geographic range. These long-legged canines have only four toes per foot, unlike other dogs, which have five toes on their forefeet. Each animal has its own unique coat pattern, and all have big, rounded ears. Its scientific name, Lycaon pictus, means “painted wolf,” referring to the animal's irregular, mottled coat, which features patches of red, black, brown, white, and yellow fur.
The African wild dog is known by many names, including Cape hunting dog or painted dog. Current Population Trend: Decreasing What is the African wild dog?
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