African Wild Dog Facts: Habitat, Diet and Where to See Them

The African wild dog, or painted wolf, lives in close-knit packs that range over huge areas. It has disappeared from much of its former range and now survives mainly in a few large wilderness areas of southern and East Africa.

Interesting facts

Each dog has a unique coat pattern of black, yellow and white patches.
Their scientific name means ‘painted wolf-like animal’.
Packs vote on when to set off hunting, partly by sneezing.
They regurgitate food for pups and for sick or injured pack members.
Wild dogs have four toes on each foot, unlike most dogs, which have five on the front feet.
Only around 6,600 remain in the wild.

Behaviour

Packs usually number 6 to 20 and are led by a dominant breeding pair. They hunt cooperatively, mostly at dawn and dusk, running prey down over long distances. Pack members greet each other with twittering calls and elaborate rituals.

Breeding and young

Usually only the dominant female breeds, giving birth to large litters of up to about 10 or more pups in a den. The whole pack helps feed and guard them.

Threats and conservation

Habitat fragmentation, conflict with livestock farmers, road accidents, snares and diseases such as rabies and canine distemper caught from domestic dogs.