Protect African Wild Dogs
Over the last 30 years, the African Wild Dog population has declined dramatically.
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Despite its name, the African Wild Dog is neither a dog nor a wolf!
One dog and lots of names – this is the African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus - literally "painted wolf"). Even if called the African Hunting Dog, Cape Hunting Dog, Painted Hunting Dog, Painted Dog, Painted Wolf or Painted Lycaon, this will always be one and the same charismatic Wild Dog with rounded ears. Unfortunately, its habitat is constantly shrinking and now there are **fewer than 6 000 left in the wild. **Since 1990, the African Wild Dog has been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
African Wild Dog in Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia. Source: Unsplash
To get a better idea of the uniqueness of this species, it is necessary to know that this is neither a dog nor a wolf! Like wolves and dogs, the African Wild Dog belongs to the Canidae family. Gray wolves, coyotes, dogs and jackals are all in the genus Canis, while African Wild Dogs are the only living species in the genus Lycaeon*.*
Distribution of African Wild Dogs. Source: viaGood
Appearance The Painted Dog is a strikingly colored beast of prey with a black, brown, white and yellow coat. It has a slender body, long legs, a relatively small head and a short, large snout and muzzle. It has only four toes on all the feet, which is quite unusual among canines. It is 24 - 30 inches tall and 28 - 44 inches in length. The tail measures 11 - 16 inches. On average, dogs from East Africa weigh approx. 44-55 lb., while in South Africa males weigh 72 lb. on average and females 54 lb. Painted Dog females are generally 3 - 7 % smaller than males.
Comparison of the size of African Wild Dog with man. Source: viaGood
The coat of the African Wild Dog is significantly different from the coat of other dog breeds. It consists exclusively of solid hair with bristles, without an undercoat. As the dog ages, it gradually loses its coat and some older individuals may be almost naked. Color variations are extreme and can be used for visual identification. African Wild Dogs can recognize each other at a distance of 50 - 100 yards.
Social Ties The African Wild Dog has stronger social ties than Lions or Hyenas. Solitary lives of individuals are extremely rare in this species. Wild Dogs live in permanent packs consisting of 2 to 27 adults and 1-year-old cubs. Some packs comprise more than 40 individuals. As a rule, only one dominant alpha pair reproduces in these packs. Males predominate in packs in the ratio of 3: 1.
Did you know… the African Wild Dog is a better hunter than the Lion, with an 80 % hunting success rate?
Hunting and Prey This is the only canine that is exclusively carnivorous. It feeds mainly on large African ungulates, e.g. gazelles, impalas, wildebeests, buffaloes, warthogs and zebras. Wild Dogs are excellent hunters. They set out in packs to hunt early in the morning and evening, hunting by quietly approaching the prey and then chasing it for 10 to 60 minutes at speeds of up to 41 mph. The hunt usually ends successfully, after an average 1-mile pursuit. With an average of 80 % successful hunts, the African Wild Dog is a truly amazing hunter.
On average, African Wild Dogs live for 7 years. They can live up to 13 years in captivity.
**Did you know… people in the Ethiopian Tigray Region believed that injuring an African Wild Dog with a spear would result in the animal dipping its tail in its wounds and waving blood at the attacker, causing him immediate death? For this reason, shepherds from the Tigray area repelled African Wild Dog attacks with pebbles rather than sharp weapons. **
Subspecies Since 2005, 5 subspecies have been recognized::
African Wild Dog (lycaon pictus) in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Source: Wikipedia
Cape Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus pictus) This is also known as the South African Wild Dog, Cape Hunting Dog or Painted Wolf. It is native to South Africa and is the largest subspecies. It is much more colorful than the East African Wild Dog.
East African Wild Dog in Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania. Source: Wikipedia
East African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus lupinus) This is native to East Africa and, compared to the Cape Wild Dog, differs in its smaller size and much darker coat.
Somali Wild Dog. Source: Somali Wild Dog
Somali Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus somalicus) This Wild Dog is at home in the Horn of Africa (Somali Peninsula). It is similar to the East African Wild Dog, but is smaller, has shorter and coarser hair and weaker teeth. Its color is close to that of the Cape subspecies.
Somali Wild Dog. Source: A-Z Animals
Chadian Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus sharicus) This is a Central African subspecies. It is also known as the Shari River Hunting Dog, Saharan Wild Dog or Central African Wild Dog. Due to its small population in Central Africa, the Chadian Wild Dog is critically endangered and near to extinction.
West African Wild Dog. Source: Wikipedia
West African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus manguensis) This is native to West Africa. It is estimated that there are only 70 adults in the wild. According to the IUCN, it is classified as critically endangered.
Distribution of African Wild Dog The African Wild Dog is mostly found in savannas and arid zones. It usually avoids wooded areas. Most of the population now occurs in Southern and South-eastern Africa, specifically in countries such as Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Wild Dog has been completely exterminated in 25 out of 39 countries.
Over the last 30 years, the African Wild Dog population has declined dramatically. This species is extinct in 25 out of the 39 countries where it used to occur. It is estimated that only 6 populations number more than 100 animals. It is one of the most endangered mammals in the world. The International Union for Conservation of Nature states that the population level of African Wild Dogs fluctuates, but is in a probably irreversible decline.
Habitat Fragmentation Habitat loss is one of the most significant dangers facing African Wild Dogs. One pack of Wild Dogs needs approximately 900 - 1 500 m² in which to live. These areas, home to Wild Dogs, are disturbed by fences, roads and farms. Due to this fragmentation, the African Wild Dog population also faces the problem of genetic diversity, which is blocked by these borders.
Conflict between Humans and Wild Animals Unfortunately, African Wild Dogs are often hunted and killed by farmers, who are afraid of the threat to their livestock. This usually happens without any obvious threat from Wild Dogs. They thus become accidentally targeted victims of the progress of civilization.
Diseases Humans also settle in new territories with their pets, which transmit diseases that the African Wild Dog cannot resist. Their population is thus decimated by Rabies or Canine Distemper.
Protected areas and corridors can secure a future for Wild Dog.
Wildlife work is necessary to monitor African Wild Dogs and help this species survive. What are the main issues that need to be addressed?
Mitigation of Human Conflict It is necessary to work with local communities and come up with a solution to protect their property. The solution may be to build enclosures for livestock (bomas), which protect livestock from predators.
Population Monitoring In addition to discovering new, interesting facts about the African Wild Dog, monitoring is essential to estimate potential conflicts with humans. This prevents future problems.
Education and Involvement of Local Communities Locals see the African Wild Dog only as a potentially harmful predator. With better education and awareness of vulnerabilities of this kind, the general opinion may change. For local communities Ecotourism based on observing this shy dog can also be a solution to provide employment and income.
Involvement of Government Organizations Cooperation with governmental organizations is important to underpin protection and improve enforcement. Governments can improve the conditions of individual animal species by establishing protected parks and reserves. An important part is the creation of wildlife corridors.
How can YOU help?
Help to protect African Wild Dogs by donating to the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Every little bit helps! Donations go to the costs involved in darting, collaring and tracking Wild Dogs.
Spread information on social media and to your friends and family regarding this endangered species.
Support Ecotourism and local community involvement.
