Description:
The African wild dog, also known as the painted wolf or Cape hunting dog, is a highly social and endangered canid native to sub-Saharan Africa. Distinguished by its mottled coat of black, white, yellow, and brown patches, each wild dog has a unique pattern, making them easily identifiable. They have large, rounded ears that aid in communication and cooling, and a lean, muscular build that supports their endurance and speed during hunts. African wild dogs live in close-knit packs led by a dominant breeding pair, and they are known for their cooperative hunting techniques and strong pack bonds.
© Nicholas Dyer
Key facts
Population:
With an estimated 1,400 mature individuals remaining and a declining population, African wild dogs have gone from roaming 39 countries to fewer than 20.
Diet:
Habitat:
African wild dogs can be found occupying a range of habitats including short-grass plains, semi-desert, bushy savannahs and upland forest. They are now locally extinct in desert areas.
Range:
© Nicholas Dyer
© Nicholas Dyer
African Wild Dogs
Threats
African wild dogs have large territories and their biggest threat is habitat fragmentation. Human development breaks up their range, and this can lead to car accidents, while contact with humans and domestic animals can transfer diseases. One dog could transfer a disease to their whole pack, which could be fatal.
Conservation
Four main strategies are in place where African wild dogs roam: encouraging land use planning to maintain and expand dog populations; building capacity for dog conservation within range states; outreach to improve public perceptions of dogs at all levels of society; and ensuring a policy framework compatible with African wild dog conservation. Rewilding and breeding programmes are also in place.
Learn more about the projects
African wild dogs have large territories and their biggest threat is habitat fragmentation. Human development breaks up their range, and this can lead to car accidents, while contact with humans and domestic animals can transfer diseases. One dog could transfer a disease to their whole pack, which could be fatal.
Conservation
Four main strategies are in place where African wild dogs roam: encouraging land use planning to maintain and expand dog populations; building capacity for dog conservation within range states; outreach to improve public perceptions of dogs at all levels of society; and ensuring a policy framework compatible with African wild dog conservation. Rewilding and breeding programmes are also in place.