![]() ![]() In Liwonde, the pack was released early to allow the alpha female to find a suitable location to den and birth her pups, which resulted in a healthy litter of nine pups - immediately contributing to Malawi’s wild dog population. On the positive side of this loss, the pack had a full year to become accustomed to their new environment, without the burden of raising pups. The female from the Majete pack, however, aborted shortly after arrival, allowing for the usual acclimatisation period. On arrival, the alpha, or breeding, females in both packs were pregnant, creating a challenging situation for the teams on the ground who needed to monitor the dogs in an acclimatisation boma for a few initial weeks. Majete Wildlife Reserve received six wild dogs from Mozambique and eight wild dogs from South Africa were received by Liwonde National Park. ![]() In July 2021, as part of the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Wild Dog Range Expansion Project, wild dogs were returned to Malawi, after a 60-year absence. National Geographic grantee Rosemary Groom is among the many advocates who are working to ensure the continued survival of African wild dogs.Fourteen wild dogs en route from South Africa and Mozambique to Malawi © Matthew Moon The Wild Dogs of Majete and Liwonde These include awareness initiatives that dispel myths about the animals as well as educational initiations that offer farmers training in livestock management techniques that prevent depredation. Conservation groups are also working on initiatives that reduce conflict between humans and African wild dogs. ConservationĪfrican wild dogs are among the many species that benefit from the creation of protected wildlife corridors that help connect their increasingly fragmented habitats. The International Union for Conservation of Nature reports that the population level of African wild dogs fluctuates but is in a likely irreversible decline, which is why it considers this species to be endangered. They are also threatened by shrinking space to roam in their African home as well as their susceptibility to diseases like rabies and canine distemper. Unfortunately, African wild dogs are often hunted and killed by farmers who fear for their livestock. As human settlements expand, the dogs have sometimes developed a taste for livestock, though significant damage is rare and most dogs prefer wild prey. The dogs supplement their diet with rodents and birds. Packs hunt antelopes and will also tackle much larger prey, such as wildebeests, particularly if their quarry is ill or injured. Larger packs were more common before the dogs became endangered. Social interactions are common, and the dogs communicate by touch, actions, and vocalizations.Īfrican wild dogs hunt in formidable, cooperative packs of six to 20 (or more) animals. These dogs are very social, and packs have been known to share food and to assist weak or ill members. The female has a litter of two to 20 pups, which are cared for by the entire pack. Pack behavior and huntingĪfrican wild dogs live in packs that are usually dominated by a monogamous breeding pair. Their largest populations can be found in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. These days, African wild dogs typically roam the open plains and sparse woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. Though they were once found throughout the continent-from desert to mountain habitats-African wild dogs have disappeared from most of their geographic range. These long-legged canines have only four toes per foot, unlike other dogs, which have five toes on their forefeet. Each animal has its own unique coat pattern, and all have big, rounded ears. Its scientific name, Lycaon pictus, means “painted wolf,” referring to the animal's irregular, mottled coat, which features patches of red, black, brown, white, and yellow fur. The African wild dog is known by many names, including Cape hunting dog or painted dog. ![]() Current Population Trend: Decreasing What is the African wild dog?
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