African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus)

News: Three African wild dogs travelled over 4,000 kilometres to find mates, offering hope for the survival of this endangered species.

About African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus)

• The African wild dogs are the largest wild canine in Africa, and the only extant members of the genus Lycaon.
  • They are one of the world’s most endangered large carnivores.
• Scientific name: Their scientific name is Lycaon pictus. 
• Habitat: They are found in grasslands, savannahs and open woodlands. 
• Distribution: They are native to sub-Saharan Africa.
  • The majority of the species’ population occurs in Southern Africa and southern East Africa.
• Characteristic features:
  • Appearance:
    • They have stiff bristle hairs without underfur and gradually lose their fur with age.
    • Their coat varies geographically, ranging from mostly black with small white and yellow patches in the northeast to brown, black, and white in the south.
    • Their muzzle is usually black, fading into brown on the cheeks and forehead.
    • A black line extends up the forehead and becomes blackish-brown behind the ears.
    • Some have brown, teardrop-shaped marks below the eyes.
    • The back of the head and neck are brown or yellow.
    • A white patch may appear behind the forelegs, and some have entirely white forelegs, chests, and throats.
    • Their tail is usually white at the tip, black in the middle, and brown at the base.
  • Diet: They are carnivores that hunt antelopes, gazelles, warthogs, wildebeest calves, ostriches, buffalo calves, and smaller animals like hares, birds, and rats.
  • Behaviour: They are very social animals, living in packs with separate dominance hierarchies for males and females.
• Threats:
  • Habitat fragmentation
  • Human persecution
  • Disease outbreaks
  • Competition with larger predators
• Conservation status: 
  • IUCN: Endangered