The average pack consists of about ten members, with the majority being male, unlike any other canine species. The painted dog is one of the very few mammals that look after old, sick, and weak animals and disabled members of the pack. A pack hunts together and returns to the den to feed the dominant female, puppies, and sick dogs. They are highly social animals living in packs, dominated by a breeding pair, and separated into male and female hierarchies. They are very social animals and live in packs of up to 20 individuals. They have a strong pair bond, and both the male and female take part in raising the young. The African Wild Dog is a monogamous and territorial animal. This would be a significant loss to the ecosystem, as they play an essential role in controlling prey populations. These large predators could become extinct if their population continues to decline. However, these dogs are now endangered, with only around 6,600 individuals remaining in the wild. They also help distribute nutrients throughout the ecosystem by scavenging on the kills of other predators. The African wild dog is an essential predator in many ecosystems, helping to keep populations of prey animals in check. See Related: List of Animals That Mate for Life Role in the Ecosystems The average life span of a wild dog is 11 years. The wild dog pup depends on their mothers for around six to eight weeks. The puppies are born blind and deaf and rely on their mother for food and protection. Litters are typically small, with only two to six puppies. The gestation period for an African wild dog is approximately two months. Unfortunately, the mortality rate is high, so not all will survive. African wild dogs typically mate during the late winter or early spring.Ī litter will be born every year in a pack with up to 16 pups in each. It usually is only for the alpha female and male to reproduce, while the rest of the pack will help look after the pups. The entire pack will then surround the prey and start to bite it. They will stalk their wild prey species until close enough to attack. Their cooperative hunting style is very successful, and they can bring down prey much larger than themselves.Īfrican wild dogs hunt in packs. They work together in packs to take down prey. HuntingĪfrican wild dogs are unique in the way that they hunt. Africans are monogamous, and both parents take care of the young. They also eat insects, carrion, and fruit. The diet of the African wild dog consists mainly of small prey, such as rodents, hares, and antelopes. Instead, they live in Packs made up of closely related females and their young.

Wild dogs are also the only canids that do not form pair bonds. It means that they work together as a team to kill prey.

They are one of the few mammalian species that exhibit cooperative hunting behavior. They are the oldest of all the canid species, including dogs, wolves, and foxes.Īfrican wild dogs are unique in many ways. The African wild dog is an ancient species that is believed to have evolved around 2 million years ago. African Wild Dogs also need dense vegetation to provide shelter from the heat and hide from prey. They need areas with plenty of space to run and hunt. The wild dogs live in savannas and grasslands. Check out these other types of terrain from around the world. Wild dogs prefer to roam in savannah, open plains, and sparse woodlands. Isolated populations can be found in Zambia, Mozambique, and Kenya. African Wild Dog HabitatĪfrican wild dogs live in eastern and southern Africa in Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. However, it is believed that the males are slightly larger than the females. There are very few scientific studies of wild dogs in the wild, so there is little information on the difference between male and female African wild dogs. They also have very long legs, which give them a characteristic loping gait. They have powerful jaws and teeth, which allow them to kill even large prey animals. Wild dogs are also distinguished by their anatomy. Their physical description is relatively small, averaging only around 45 pounds in weight. They are the only canine species with black markings on their muzzle and legs, and they have reddish-brown fur. The African wild dog has a unique appearance that is easily recognizable they are comparatively lean and tall.

Wild dogs in africa