Wild Dog Facts
The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), also known as the African painted dog or painted wolf, is one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores. These striking animals are known for their large round ears, long legs, and beautifully patterned coats – no two individuals have the same markings. They are highly social and hunt in cooperative packs, often covering vast distances in search of prey. Once widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, fewer than 7,000 remain in the wild today.
Family Structure
African wild dogs live in highly social packs, usually made up of between 2 and 20 individuals. Packs are led by a dominant breeding pair — the alpha male and alpha female — who are typically the only members to reproduce. The rest of the pack supports the care of the pups, helping to guard the den and regurgitating food for both the young and other adults after a hunt. This cooperative breeding system increases the survival rate of the pups and strengthens the pack’s ability to hunt and defend its territory. Strong social bonds are maintained through body language, vocalisations, and close physical contact such as grooming.
Hunting Strategies
African wild dogs are specialised, cooperative hunters that rely on stamina, speed, and coordination rather than stealth or ambush. They hunt mainly medium-sized antelope such as impala, but their diet is varied and opportunistic. Hunts are typically carried out in the cooler parts of the day, with the pack working together to chase prey over long distances – sometimes several kilometres – at speeds of up to 60 km/h. Individuals use high-pitched calls and visual cues to communicate during the hunt, maintaining cohesion and adjusting their strategy as needed. Their success rate is among the highest of any large predator in Africa, often exceeding 70%, due to their endurance and cooperative behaviour.
Distribution
They can still be seen on safari in several key national parks and reserves, including:
- The Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
- South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
- Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park), Tanzania
- Kruger National Park, South Africa
What is happening to save them?
African wild dogs face serious threats from habitat loss, human- wildlife conflict, and diseases such as rabies. Conservation organisations such as Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) in Zimbabwe and the Endangered Wildlife Trust in South Africa are working to protect them through anti-poaching efforts, vaccination programmes, and community education, giving hope for the survival of this remarkable species.
