ENDANGERED SPECIES WEEK!

ENDANGERED SPECIES WEEK-

African Wild Dog!

We’re going to meet some endangered species this week as we get ready for Endangered Species Day! We’re kicking it off with the African Wild Dog!

African Wild Dog Fun Facts:

• African wild dogs live in sub-Saharan Africa on the savanna or in woodlands.
• African wild dogs can grow up to 55 1/2 inches long and weigh up 74 lbs.
• They are carnivores and hunt in groups to take down prey, including antelopes, wildebeest and birds.
• African wild dogs are listed by the IUCN as endangered. They are losing their habitat and can get diseases from domestic dogs.
• They roam large home territories of 600-900 square miles.
• African wild dogs are highly social and live in packs.
• A pack is dominated by a monogamous breeding pair of dogs.
• They are also called the painted dog.

• Each African Wild dog has its own unique coat coloration pattern.
• Female African wild dogs can have up to 10 pups in a litter. Only the dominate female in a pack with give birth.
• They are highly vocal and communicate sounds not heard in any other member of the canine family.
• African Wild dogs are crepuscular. They are known to travel at night.
• They are distance runners and can maintain a speed of 35 mph for up to 2 miles!

These awesome canines are so fascinating, from their funny feet to their complex social system the African Painted dog definitely deserved protection and respect. You can learn more on how to protect these wild canines at the African Wildlife Federation.