Overview
The African wild dog is one of Africa’s most social and cooperative predators. Also known as the painted dog or painted wolf, it is instantly recognisable by its patchwork coat of black, white, tan and gold. Every individual carries a different pattern, making each dog as visually distinctive as a fingerprint.
Wild dogs live in close-knit family packs built around a breeding pair and their offspring. Cooperation shapes almost every part of their lives, from hunting and raising pups to caring for injured or older pack members. Packs travel across enormous areas in search of prey, relying on stamina, speed and coordination rather than stealth.
Despite their adaptability, African wild dogs have disappeared from much of their former range. Habitat fragmentation, conflict with people, road deaths and diseases spread by domestic dogs continue to threaten the remaining populations. The species is classified as Endangered, with an estimated 6,600 individuals remaining, including only around 1,400 mature animals.
Behaviour & How to Identify
Look for a lean, long-legged animal with enormous rounded ears, a dark muzzle and an irregularly patterned coat. Most have a white-tipped tail, which may help pack members keep sight of one another when moving through long grass. Unlike most other dogs, African wild dogs have only four toes on each foot and no dewclaws.
Wild dogs pursue prey in coordinated groups, often maintaining a chase until the animal becomes exhausted or separated from its herd. Their hunting success varies between places, prey species and how it is measured. Some studies have recorded success around 50%, while the widely quoted figure of up to 80% refers to particularly successful packs or hunting conditions.
Pups are raised communally. Adults return from hunts and regurgitate food for the young, and other pack members may also feed individuals that were unable to join the hunt.
Interesting facts
No two African wild dogs have exactly the same markings. Their unique coat patterns allow researchers, and probably other pack members, to recognise individuals.
They are built for endurance. Long legs, a lean body and large lungs allow them to pursue prey over greater distances than many ambush predators.
Pups are given priority at a kill. Adults usually allow the youngest pack members to feed first, while injured and dependent dogs may be provided with regurgitated food.