African Wild Dog
Lycaon pictus
An african wild dog is the size of medium domestic dog. Lycaon pictus, is their Latin name and means "painted wolf-like animal." Their coats are blotchy in shades of brown, beige and black. Their ears are large and rounded and they have dark brown circles around their eyes. Instead of five toes like wolves and other dogs, the african wild dog has only four on their front feet.
Size 
An average african wild dog will weigh between 37 and 79 pounds and stand about 30 inches tall.
Population
Between 3,000 and 5,000 are estimated.
Life span
African wild dogs can live up to 10 - 12 years.
Range
African wild dogs are only found in Africa.
Habitat
Savannas, grasslands and lightly wooded areas are the preferred by African wild dogs.
Food
African wild dogs hunt gazelle, zebras, antelope, warthog and impala.
Behavior
African wild dogs live in packs that can range from 6 to 20 dogs. The packs generally consist of a breading male and female pair, their pups and frequently more male members than female members.
Offspring
Pups are born about once a year, usually from March through June. A litter may average about 10 pups. |
