How tall are african wild dogs

African wild dogs used to range across 39 countries, with population numbers in the hundreds of thousands. Currently, there are fewer 6, individuals are left in the wild, forming fewer than packs. Fortunately, there is much hope as there are a load of organisations comprising of many passionate individuals striving to give the species a promising future. Among other large African carnivores such as lions, hyenas, cheetahs and leopards, the species plays a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling ungulate species from causing habitat destruction and overfeeding.

African wild dogs are generalist predators, specialising in a range of habitats including short-grass plains, semi-desert, bushy savannas and upland forest areas. With its streamline body and sturdy long legs, during chases the wild dogs can reach top speeds up to 60 — As a carnivorous pack predator, African wild dogs hunt in packs and will eat most mammals, including small rodents and larger mammals such as Antelope.

African wild dogs are usually thought of as cooperative pack hunters that chase large prey for long distances across the open plains, tiring out their quarry before going in for the kill. But their hunting behaviour is in fact much more varied than that. Research in Botswana and Kenya has revealed that in woodland savannah habitats wild dogs often target considerably smaller animals, such as dik-dik and hares.

To catch them, pack members are more likely to pair off or even hunt alone, flushing their prey from the undergrowth before chasing it down. Wild dogs despatch their prey by tearing it apart, as opposed to the suffocation strategy used by big cats. This has earned them something of a bad reputation, but kills are usually quick and efficient. Natural History. Community Project. You Can Help. Suggested Reading. Contact Us. Lycaon pictus. Head and Body Length:. Shoulder Height:. The hunting members of the pack return to the den where they regurgitate meat for the nursing female and pups.

Although the litters are large, very few pups survive. Sometimes the dens are flooded, or the pups die from exposure or disease. When pack numbers are reduced, hunting is not as efficient, and adults may not bring back sufficient food for the pups. In some cases, more pups survive in packs where there are more helpers.

They hunt for a wide variety of prey, including gazelles and other antelopes, warthogs, wildebeest calves, rats, and birds. Like most predators, they play an important role in eliminating sick and weak animals, thereby helping maintain the natural balance and improve prey species.

They can run long distances at speeds up to 35 mph. Of the large carnivores, wild dogs are probably the most efficient hunters—targeted prey rarely escapes. They are found mostly in arid zones and in the savanna. They can also be found in woodland, scrublands and mountainous habitats if there is prey available.

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African Wild Dog. What is an African wild dog? Conservation Status. Scientific name. Lycaon pictus. About 1 meter in length 30 to 43 inches.