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African Wild Dog
Scientific Name:
Lycaon pictus
Habitat:
Savanna, grassland and open range
Range:
Sub-Saharan Africa
Average Size:
Height: 23 to 30½ inches
Length: 30 to 40 inches
Weight: 40 to 80 pounds
Tail: 12 to 16 inches long
Description:
The African wild dog’s body is similar to that of a wolf’s, but with larger, batlike ears and a white-tipped tail. Distinctive patches of black, yellow, white and dark brown mark its coat; no two dogs are marked exactly the same. The African wild dog has long, muscular legs, with four toes on each foot.
Animals:
The exhibit is home to three brothers: Wally, Widdle and Wooster. They were born in June 2006 at the Mountain View Conservation and Breeding Centre in Fort Langley, British Columbia.
Life Span:
About 10 years
Diet:
In the wild, African wild dogs eat mostly medium-sized antelopes, such as impala, Thompson’s gazelle or reedbuck, but they also hunt larger species, such as kudu and wildebeest.
Status in the Wild:
African wild dogs are listed as endangered by the World Conservation Union and the U.S. Endangered Species Act. They have an Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival
Plan.
Behavior:
African wild dogs live in tightly knit social groups and hunt in packs. When hunting, they approach a herd until it stampedes, then single out an individual — usually one that’s slowed by old age or disease — and chase it until it’s exhausted. Wild dogs are speedy, tireless runners. They’ve been known to chase prey at speeds of 30 mph, for distances of up to three and a half miles.
Reproduction:
Although all pack members assist in the care of youngsters, only the dominant male and female breed. Sexual maturity is attained at around 12 to 18 months. The female gives birth to a litter of
6 to 10 pups after a gestation of about 70 days. The pups feed on solid regurgitated food brought to them by all the adults in the pack and wean at 10 to 12 weeks.
Amazing facts:
In a sprint, African wild dogs can reach speeds of more than 40 mph!
How You Can Help:
You can help the African wild dog and other threatened or endangered species by joining the volunteer team at the Oregon Zoo and getting involved with other conservation groups. Many organizations focus on conservation in Africa, including the African Wildlife Foundation, Tusk Trust, Conserve Africa International, the World Wildlife Fund, the Wildlife Awareness Foundation and the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Please do not buy products made from wild animal parts.
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