There are fewer than 5000 African wild dogs left in the wild. Enter your email for your weekly dose of ‘wild Africa’ directly to your inbox. In South Africa, there are fewer than 550 remaining in the wild, and only 39 distinct populations left in the whole continent. African wild dogs are also known as “African hunting dogs,” “African painted dogs,” and “African painted wolves.” These canines are cooperative hunters, and work together to capture prey. It’s a fearsome sight to witness, perhaps the greatest of all encounters you could have on an African safari. The largest canid in Africa is also classified as Endangered. There are about 5,500 wild dogs left because of human interaction, loss of their habitat, accidental road killings and the spreading diseases like rabies which are the main threats to African Wild Dogs. And they get caught in the snares left by hunters. It’s great to hear these wonderful animals are still being spotted somewhat regularly. Human structures and roadways present some of the largest barriers to the connectivity of endangered African wild dog populations in southern Africa. When there is less food available, only the fittest will survive. Wild dogs were once widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. It’s all down to their incredible teamwork, allowing them to kill big wildebeest and even zebra. African wild dogs (also known as painted dogs or painted wolves), are the second most endangered carnivore in Africa. The African Wild Dog is an iconic species that is one of South Africa’s most Endangered large carnivores. The African Wild Dog was classified as "Endangered," by the IUCN Red List in 2017, and is one of the most endangered mammals in the world. Wild dogs are highly susceptible to kleptoparasitism, the practice of stealing prey from another animal. Wild dogs may contract diseases such as distemper or rabies from domestic dogs. African wild dogs have huge home ranges and are constant wanderers. When fully created it will cover five countries and be a similar size to Italy. Wild Dogs are particularly susceptible to snares and road kills. In the Serengeti the estimated size of each pack’s territory is 1,500 km 2 . In most of the rest of Africa the fragments are growing smaller and more numerous. South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is another excellent place to see wild dogs in the wild. African wild dogs hunt as a pack. African wild dogs are truly wild. Wild dogs have longer legs than most domestic dogs, with four toes on their front feet and trademark rounded ears. But each animal's head is usually dark. Wild Dog is Southern Africa’s most endangered large carnivore, with only about 438 left in all of South Africa. Catherina Unger / Getty Images. New York, NY 10001. Today, viable populations may exist in only a handful of countries. Like many of Africa’s endangered species, habitat loss appears to be irreversible. The hunting strategy depends on the prey. Ask yourself: Do you have room for a dog, and the time and energy to feed and exercise it? Despite protective laws, wild dogs are still killed by herders to protect domestic livestock. African wild dogs hunt in formidable, cooperative packs of six to 20 (or more) animals. Packs don’t leave anyone behind. These predators showcase incredible stamina and teamwork, enabling them to take down almost any of Africa’s antelopes. But they are also endangered because of habitat loss. The African wild dog is an predatory mammal that lives in Africa. On a safari, the truth is often hidden and game drives are there to portray the beauty of the park. African Wild Dogs are often judged by their appearance, but there’s much more to this endangered animal than meets the eye. For example, building a road through a national park requires only a tiny percentage of the land. They need space in order to thrive. Not in a zoo that’s for sure! That’s faster than Usain Bolt does the 100 metre sprint, kept up for 50 times the distance. South Africa is indeed a good country to encounter wild dogs in their natural habitat. The Painted Dog (2010): When a team goes to South Africa to relocate some rare wild dogs, they uncover a shocking story. However, small populations, where there is just a handful of packs, have been lost to epidemic disease. The Ethiopian Wolf as the name suggests is endemic to Ethiopia.The Ethiopian wolf is distinguished by its tawny red fur with a white underbelly, a blaze on its chest and white fur on its throat that sweeps up and covers the underside of its muscle. However, antelope see wild dog packs from a kilometer away. So not only are wild dogs hunting to feed themselves, they are regulating a landscape’s mammal diversity. The hunting strategy depends on the prey. The African wild dog, also known as African hunting dog, cape hunting dog, is a native of Sub-Saharan Africa. The African wild dog is a hypercarnivore, which means its diet consists of over 70 percent meat. Another byproduct of the human-carnivore conflict is disease. One or two dogs will lag behind so they can grab the prey if it circles around and dodges the leader. African Wild dogs are also can be found as roadkill. An estimated 520 remain in South Africa. Various research has shown that African wild dogs spend most of their time in areas free of lions, locating their dens in areas with the lowest lion density. Wild Dogs are considered to be extinct in 23 countries in Africa. As a result 80% of their hunts end successfully, compared to, say, lions at 10%. The African wild dogs’ population has been greatly reduced because of being hunted and killed by landowners and hunters. Roads and human settlements slice through natural migratory routes. 1250 24th Street, N.W. Nipping and tearing at the fleeing victim helps to exhaust it further. Luminous fur moves across the savannah at sunrise. the African Wild Dog became endangered because we took it habitat, and it is a hunted animal. In fact, one of the reasons people demonized them was because they were too good as hunters, which is just not fair. Lions and other predators drive wild dogs to the outer reaches of protected areas. In fact, one of the most popular reasons for endangerment is habitat loss! Unfortunately, figures are unable to show whether the wild dog population is increasing or decreasing. As a hunter and meat eater requiring an extensive habitat, it is constantly in competition with humans, and particularly with livestock farmers. African Wild Dogs are usually on the move over a very large range however, the African Wild Dog is listed on the endangered species list due to threats to its survival from predators, disease, and the most dangerous predator, humans. The best thing you can do is to take action. These include extreme sensitivity to habitat fragmentation as a consequence of wide-ranging behaviour, conflict with livestock and game farmers, accidental killings by … This is very understandable – lions kill the canines and dominate the food source – but requires a habitat large enough for multiple carnivore species. The African Wild Dog is Southern Africa’s most endangered large carnivore, with only about 438 left in all of South Africa. The animals have a colourful and unique appearance. Namibia has finally taken the necessary steps to ensure the survival of this species. Sometimes hunters kill them out of their own fear. When a kill is made the big male dines first, followed by the females, then the other males get the scraps. Habitat loss and human persecution are the main causes of decline. Unfortunately this social style comes into conflict with hyena. Why Are African Wild Dogs Endangered? Less than 5000 of them remain in the wild. It's colors are tan, black, and white. Researchers set out on a vast multi-country study to track what happened to African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) that dispersed from their pack. Habitat fragmentation and conflict with ever-expanding human activities are the main threats to their survival. Lycaon pictus which means painted wolf-like animal. African safaris also provide much needed funds for conservation. Their irregular fur patterns and musky colours can make them seem unclean and unkempt, and their tendency to live and travel in packs can … They now only survive in a handful of places across sub-Saharan Africa. For example, in Kruger they mostly hunt impala. In South Africa, there are fewer than 550 remaining in the wild, and only 39 distinct populations left in the whole continent. African wild dog, (Lycaon pictus), also called Cape hunting dog, African hunting dog, or hyena dog, wild African carnivore that differs from the rest of the members of the dog family (Canidae) in having only four toes on each foot. The wild dogs live in packs, which can vary from 10 to 40 dogs. Furthermore, African Wild Dogs are known to travel up to 50km in a … Studies have shown that packs will hunt abundant species, therefore helping to preserve the biodiversity of a landscape. Habitat loss and human persecution are the main causes of decline. Their habitat is being encroached on by humans with the growing population. Find out what AWF is doing to protect this species from extinction. Habitat fragmentation and conflict with ever-expanding human activities are the main threats to their survival. Larger packs were more common before the dogs became endangered. The wild dog is one of the world’s most endangered mammals. African Wild Dogs are in actual fact a separate species to domestic dogs. The African Wild dog, also called the African painted wolf, has a streaked multicolored coat. ... African Wild Dogs Remaining 5000 Black Rhinoceros Remaining 5695 Serengeti Sq Miles “You have to see it, to save it” Endangered Wonders. Over the last century, most habitat loss has been caused by farming. The African wild dog is a hypercarnivore, which means its diet consists of over 70 percent meat. Why are Wild Dogs so Endangered? Sometimes referred to as Painted Dogs due to their striking coat pattern, African Wild Dogs are unique predators, intelligent and efficient, yet often misunderstood. Required fields are marked *. Competition is a fact of life for all predators. Speak up for species and places through WWF's Action Center. In other parts of Africa habitat loss means less space and food for predators. Last time I had a chance to seeing them was in the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania. African wild dogs are among the most effective predators in the world. No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died, Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population, Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the Wild, Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild, Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future, Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened. And soon the prey collapses dead. However, exact figures are not known because their population is severely fragmented. An area the size of Greater London, which is home to 7.5 million people, could therefore only support one or two African wild dog packs. The Wild Dog is South Africa’s most endangered large carnivore. African wild dogs are also very social, helping the sick and weak, sharing food, and "talking" to each other through vocalizations and touch. Editorial Team at Africa Freak is a group of expert Africa writers and influencers. There are about 5,500 wild dogs left because of human interaction, loss of their habitat, accidental road killings and the spreading diseases like rabies which are the main threats to African Wild Dogs. This leads less room for their species to flourish and less space for their prey. So their dining table is often interrupted. They communicate silently, splitting up to chase their prey. The African Elephant, is a VULNERABLE Species. African Wild Dogs have disappeared from much of their former range. most of their time in areas free of lions, You can click here to get expert help planning your dream African safari, Mountain gorilla trekking: ultimate how to guide. The African wild dog, or the painted wolf, is a canine native to sub-Saharan Africa.Sadly, these strong wild dogs are endangered. So even when the pack leader gets close enough to strike, they will hold back, forcing their quarry to exert more and more energy. They can mix it with the big cats and hold their own on the savannah. The largest populations remain in southern Africa and the southern part of East Africa (especially Tanzania and northern Mozambique). African wild dogs hunt as a pack. . African Wild Dogs are usually on the move over a very large range however, the African Wild Dog is listed on the endangered species list due to threats to its survival from predators, disease, and the most dangerous predator, humans. These are wild animals and can not be domesticated, having territories of up to 400 and 1500 square kilometers. Learn how your comment data is processed. Wild dogs can maintain a speed of 40 km/h for five kilometers. But after wild dogs make a kill the pack’s juveniles are allowed to eat first. The African Wild Dog. Wild dogs were once widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa. African wild dogs are members of the Canidae family, which means that they’re related to your pet dog! These are smart animals and don’t reproduce within the pack, or with close relatives. Before colonialists arrived in Africa, they roamed freely across over 80% of the continent. Although they can look cute, these are vicious animals. The African wild dog has very strong social bonds, stronger than those of sympatric lions and spotted hyenas; thus, solitary living and hunting are extremely rare in the species. 450 West 31 Street, 7th Floor. Why Are African Wild Dogs Endangered? In comparison to chaotic and rowdy hyena, wild dogs eat as if at a dinner table. Hopefully their groups can expand so that these lovely animals will not disappear in photobooks only. It’s no surprise that the largest wild dog population can be found in northern Botswana and Zambia. Again, by traveling such large distances, wild dogs have a greater chance of coming into contact with diseases such as rabies. This is devastating for wild dogs as they need to move across large areas. Top speed is 60 km/h, thanks to their long thin legs and lightweight frames. Are you familiar with any study that supports your observations? The African Wild Dogs are being fed a side of beef at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre in South Africa. Lion prides will kill wild dogs, especially the pups, in order to reduce competition for their own food source. They are opportunistic predators that hunt medium-sized ruminants, such as gazelles. Conservation status: Endangered Just 1,409 wild dogs still roam the African continent. Wild dogs hunt antelope. Posted by Editorial Team | Interests, Wildlife | 6, Wild dogs are Africa’s most devastating and spectacular hunters. Ll become a are african wild dogs endangered of wildlife and later speak up for wildlife each a. Impala population down, more antelope species can share Kruger ’ s much more this! Shot or poisoned by farmers, in Kruger they mostly hunt impala first... 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