Fauna
Mammal · GBIF taxon 5219317

African Wild Dog

Lycaon pictus

Also known as Painted Dog, Cape Hunting Dog, Painted Wolf, African Hunting Dog

African wild dogs live in tightly knit packs bound by elaborate vocalizations, touch, and collective decision making through sneezes. Highly efficient endurance hunters, these spotted carnivores work in coordinated teams to run down prey across vast territories. Pack members prioritize feeding pups and injured individuals before taking their own shares.

Pack HunterSocial
African Wild Dog reference1 / 7
Licensed referenceAfricanConservation / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Impala
  • Kudu
  • Thomson's Gazelle
Predators
  • Lion
  • Spotted Hyena
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, wire snares, infectious diseases, human conflict
HabitatsSavannas, woodlands, and arid scrublands
Life span10–13 years
Classification
  1. OrderCarnivora
  2. FamilyCanidae
  3. GenusLycaon
  4. SpeciesLycaon pictus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Potentially dangerous apex predators; always observe from the safety of a closed vehicle.
Why it is dangerous
Equipped with powerful jaws and sharp dentition designed to shear flesh, wild dogs hunt in packs that easily overpower large animals.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by large rounded ears, dark facial masks, white-tipped bushy tails, and mottled patches of black, brown, and white fur.
What to do
Never approach on foot; stay inside safari vehicles and maintain at least 50 meters distance.
What to notice
Look for distinctive, unique patch patterns on each individual and large bat-like ears.
Support conservation
Avoid disclosing exact GPS coordinates of active dens on public social media platforms.
Responsible observation
  • Safari Viewing: Remain inside your vehicle at all times and avoid loud noises during hunts.
  • Den Site Etiquette: Never approach active dens, as human disturbance causes packs to move vulnerable pups.
  • Support Conservation: Back field projects that deploy anti-poaching units to clear snare traps.
Related species
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