African wild dog are one of the largest of canidae family living in Africa. They are found in the eastern parts of Africa. It was in 1820 that this species was known to people. African wild dogs are also known as hunting dogs, painted dogs and painted wolf. Now it has been marked as an endangered species with less than 5,000 of them existing.

They are very intelligent and social animals. Well known for their fierce and wild behavior, which ofcourse have become slightly calm these days. They are predators, helping to maintain a natural balance. They always move around in group of 10 to 20. Their behavior is so organized and well mannered when they are attacking prey which makes the hunting efficient.

ANATOMY

African wild dogs have huge jaw with long sharp canine teeth for catching prey and tearing its flesh. Unlike other dogs these African wild dogs have four toes on each foot instead of five. They have long legs and a kind of painted skin pattern with white and black patch on the brown fur. African wild dog is also known as painted wolf because of its skin texture. They are about 75 to 110 cm long and weighing around 17 to 36 kg on average.

HABITAT

African wild dogs are found in savanna, woodland and arid zones where it can easily find its prey. They live in wild as well as in zoo. Loss of habitat and threat from human beings are main reasons for endangerment of these species. Initially they were wide spread and nearly 40 different African countries had them, but now it is present in only 10 to 15 countries. Zimbabwe and Botswana have the largest count of African wild dogs at present.

DIET

African wild dogs are carnivorous animals. Their prey usually is rat, rabbit, warthogs, wild beasts and species of antelopes. They generally go on hunting in the early mornings and in late evenings. African wild dogs have a very good speed; they can run miles together to capture its prey. They commonly attack herbivorous animals. Amazing speed indicates the stamina and perseverance of these wild dogs.

REPRODUCTION

African wild dogs are very social animals. They are always associated with a group of male and females in a group. The gestation period is about 70 days. After that female moves in den and gives birth to around 2-20 pups in den. It stays there nurturing the young ones till then can move on their own. And other Dogs in their pack provide them the food. Dog cubs move out of den when they are 2 to 3 months old.

PREDATORS

The biggest predators for African wild dogs are farmers. Farmers fear damage to their crops by these wild dogs. They also have natural predators such as lions and Hyenas living in their habitat.

Interesting facts of African wild dog

• Unlike any other carnivores, African wild dogs can survive without water for a long period. This is possible due to their ability to absorb maximum moisture from their food.
• They have average life span of 10-13 years. They attain maturity when they are 12-18 months old.
• No two dogs have the same markings on their body. Each individual is unique and different from the other.
• They are agile hunters. Most of the time their hunting ends up killing their prey. And its speed defines its capability of hunting.