![]() ![]() Because of their striking coat patterns and group hunting habits, these extremely gregarious creatures are well recognized. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to the rare and endangered African wild dog, commonly known as painted wolves or Cape hunting dogs. Wild dogs are one of the few mammals that look after sick, old or disabled members of the pack.They are specialized in hunting medium-sized prey between 15-50 kg such as antelope, springbok, and impala.The greatest threat to these form of wildlife is humans. They have an 80% success rate while hunting thanks to their coordinated hunting technique.They are nomads traveling over 50km a day and their territories range between 400-1500 km.Pups are given priority over the alpha pair and are looked after by the other members of the pack.There is an alpha breeding pair at the top of the hierarchy of the pack which means they are fed first before any other member of the pack. They are also known as the painted wolf because of their pattern which is unique to each dog.To understand more about them, let’s take a closer look at some of their characteristics: They remind us a lot of hyenas and their hunting technique shows no remorse. Learn more about these intriguing creatures and volunteer for the conservation of this important wildlife species.Īfrican Wild dogs can’t count on much sympathy at first glance. Also known as the African painted dog, they are facing extinction with a mere 5000 dogs left on our planet. Frequently confused with the Hyena, the African Wild Dog is a different species prided for their hunting technique and social hierarchy within the pack. ![]() Still, their value to both the ecosystem they find themselves in and the enrichment of the lives of travellers is immeasurable.If you’re attracted to the unconventional, you may find volunteering with the African Wild Dog an interesting experience. They are not dogs, will never be domesticated, and will never serve us. These unique animals are worth more alive than dead, and part of their ‘rebranding’ from wild dog to painted wolf stresses this. The fate of all wildlife depends on wild dogs and their value to the surrounding communities and we need to be stressed. ![]() Their predation helps to regulate the impact of ungulates on the ecosystem and the bio-mass in a process called “trophic cascade,” and by so doing, creates and preserves the habitats of a diverse and vast selection of animals and insects. But their weeding out of the sick and weak is essential to control the spread of disease. Wild dogs are an indicator species of a healthy ecosystem.Īt first glance, the value of predators in any environment might be an unpleasant concept, and African wild dogs, with their gory killing strategy, don’t help. Great Plains Conservation has worked to restore and protect vulnerable and vital ecosystems across Africa, enabling the essential flourishing of wild animals such as wild dogs. What is certain is that its coat is a work of art, and it lives in Africa – seen across our camps in Kenya and Botswana. With it called the African Wild dog, African hunting dog, Cape hunting dog, painted hunting dog, painted dog, spotted dog, ornate wolf, painted lycaon, as well as the painted wolf, many conservationists feel that it is in need of rebranding. Even its common names are the subject of debate. While their bark has been greatly diminished in the great chorus of the continent, these animals are an important and fascinating part of the natural world.Īfter hundreds of years and many name changes, it appears that we are no closer to reaching a consensus on what to call a “wild dog”. In areas such as the Selinda and Okavango in Botswana and Maasai Mara in Kenya, we have actively taken to restoring ecosystems around our camps to provide these animals with a space that protects Wild dogs from threats like loss of habitat and human-wildlife conflict. African Wild dogs were once found across Africa, but today they exist in mere pockets of endangered packs. ![]()
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