193 images Created 24 Aug 2024
Painted Wolves (African Wild Dogs)
African wild dogs are one of the most endangered mammals in the world. The population is estimated to be at fewer than 6,600 in the world. The largest populations remain in southern Africa and the southern part of East Africa. Major threats to their survival include targeted killings by humans, viral diseases like rabies and distemper, habitat loss and competition with larger predators like lions. Conflicts occur when wild dogs come in contact with people whose livelihood depend on livestock and agriculture.
Wild dogs gather in packs of around ten individuals, but some packs number more than 40. They are social and have many unique behaviors that make them highly intelligent and successful predators. Each pack is led by a monogamous breeding pair. The pack has a strong social bond and are generally non-aggressive, with little intimidation in the social hierarchy. To observe this is heart warming in that they cooperate together in caring for the sick, the wounded and the young. Differing from lions, the adults will let the younger members eat before them and the entire pack takes care of the pups.
The pack has the responsibility to look after the pups of the alpha pair. Older wild dogs feed the pups and raise them when necessary.
Wild dogs gather in packs of around ten individuals, but some packs number more than 40. They are social and have many unique behaviors that make them highly intelligent and successful predators. Each pack is led by a monogamous breeding pair. The pack has a strong social bond and are generally non-aggressive, with little intimidation in the social hierarchy. To observe this is heart warming in that they cooperate together in caring for the sick, the wounded and the young. Differing from lions, the adults will let the younger members eat before them and the entire pack takes care of the pups.
The pack has the responsibility to look after the pups of the alpha pair. Older wild dogs feed the pups and raise them when necessary.