African Wild Dogs

The African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus), also known as the African Painted Dog or Cape Hunting Dog, is a unique and fascinating carnivore that is native to Africa. Unfortunately, this remarkable species is currently listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of around 6,600 adults, including 1,400 mature individuals, living in 39 subpopulations.

The African Wild Dog population has been declining due to various threats, including habitat fragmentation, human persecution, and outbreaks of diseases such as rabies and distemper. The largest subpopulation probably comprises fewer than 250 individuals, making the African Wild Dog one of the world’s most endangered mammals.

African Wild Dogs are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including savannahs, grasslands, and woodland areas. They are known to inhabit regions with a mix of open plains and dense cover, which provides them with suitable hunting grounds and shelter.

African Wild Dogs are highly social animals that live in packs, typically consisting of around ten individuals, but some packs may number more than 40. Packs are usually dominated by a monogamous breeding pair, and all pack members participate in hunting and caring for the young. African Wild Dogs have a unique and complex social structure, with strong bonds between pack members.