Select your language

173aKingdom: Animals (Animalia)

Phylum (Phulum): Chordates (Chordata)

Subphylum (Subphulum): Vertebrates (Vertebrata)

Class (Classa): Mammals (Mammalia)

Order (Ordo): Carnivores (Carnivora)

Family (Familia): Dogs (Canidae)

Genus (Genus): Lycaon

Species (Species): African Wild Dog (Lycoan pictus)

It is also called African Hunting Dog.

They have 42 teeth which is common for dogs, but first lower molars are small and flat, unlike other canids.

African Wild Dogs roam the paths that intersect their territories. They gather roadkill as prey, but also become one themselves. They are considered to be endangered species.

The greatest danger are lions in groups that can sneak up and ambush while they are eating prey or drinking water.

Appearance

They are 60–75 cm tall, weigh 17–35 kg and are around 110 cm long. Outsized ears and very interesting patterns are the most distinguishing features this canid has. Very often, females have more nipples since they have biggest litter out of all canids.

Lifestyle

They are extremely social animals, alongside wolves, most social canids. Away back, packs of African Wild Dogs had one hundred and more members. Nowadays, these dogs are more rare and their packs are much smaller, usually between 6 to 30 specimens. They hunt together and all members are involved in bringing up the cubs. All males in the pack are brothers. Females usually join the pack from another one. Only four months old they can keep up with the pack while hunting. They have the most meaty diet out of all canids.

Food

They hunt large animals such as zebras, gnus, gazelles.

Habitat

They live in savannahs (grasslands with plants that can endure droughts) of central and southern parts of Africa.