Home › Mammalia › Canidae › African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus)
SPECIES PROFILE
African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus)
Lycaon
IUCN STATUS
Endangered
CONSERVATION STATUS
Endangered
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Scattered in Sub-Saharan Africa
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Savannas, woodlands, grasslands
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Canidae
GENUS
Lycaon
📋 Description
SIZE
61-78 cm at shoulder, 18-36 kg
COLORATION
Mottled black, tan, white; unique patterns
ADAPTATIONS
Pack hunting; endurance for long chases
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Savannas, woodlands, grasslands
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Scattered in Sub-Saharan Africa
REPRODUCTION
Gestation 70 days, 6-16 pups; pack raises young
DIET DETAILS
Antelope, wildebeest, small prey
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss, human conflict, disease
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Hunting Efficiency: Wild dogs boast an 80% success rate in hunts, far surpassing lions, due to their coordinated pack tactics and stamina to chase prey for kilometers. Their strategy involves relentless pursuit, exhausting targets like impalas before delivering fatal bites.
2
Altruistic Packs: They share food with injured or elderly pack members and care for pups communally, a level of cooperation that strengthens their small, tight-knit groups. This selflessness ensures survival in a competitive landscape where every member counts.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
June-October: Dry season enhances visibility of pack hunting in open areas.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Join early morning drives to see active wild dog packs hunting or resting.
