African Hunting Dog

Lycaon Pictus

Sub-Saharan Africa to South Africa, except for West and Central African rainforests– savannah, plains, swamps, semi-desert, mountains up to 3,000m

Scientific name: Lycaon pictus

IUCN status: Endangered

Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa to South Africa, except for West and Central African rainforests- savannah, plains, swamps, semi-desert, mountains up to 3,000m

Diet: Carnivore - gazelle, impala, zebra, wildebeest, hares, rodents, other small animals Also known as African wild or painted dogs (the scientific name means 'painted wolf'), African hunting dogs have unique coat markings, making them easily identifiable within packs. They are endangered because they compete for prey with larger carnivores such as lions and spotted hyenas over a wide territory. They are also killed by livestock herders and game hunters and blighted by canine distemper and parvo virus.

Did you know?
The whole pack of African hunting dogs takes care of its pups and allows them to feed first, even before the dominant breeding pair