African Painted Dog

*This page is under renovation and all information may not be up-to-date or complete*

Description

African painted dogs, also known as African wild dogs, are the largest canids in Africa and the second largest in the world after wolves. These canines have brown, black, and white colored coats. Each individual has a unique fur pattern, like a fingerprint. They also have large, rounded ears and long legs built for speed.

Range & Habitat

African painted dogs are found in isolated populations throughout Sub-Saharan Africa where they inhabit open woodlands and grasslands.

Behavior

African painted dogs are highly social; they live in packs of 2-20 individuals, including an alpha male, an alpha female, older offspring, and pups. These canines hunt cooperatively which allows them to have a 70-90% success rate unlike many other top predators in their range.

Diet

Painted dogs are carnivorous eating primarily medium-sized
antelope such as impala, gazelle, and duiker.

Conservation

African painted dog are the second most endangered
carnivores in Africa after the Ethiopian wolf. Their populations are decreasing due to habitat fragmentation, conflict with humans, and diseases such as rabies. You can help support African painted dog conservation by giving to the Virginia Zoo Conservation Fund.