Explore the Interesting World of African Wild Dogs

Found in Sub-Saharan regions of Africa, African wild dogs are one of the world's most endangered and the most misunderstood species. Take this quiz to know some interesting facts about these animals with rounded ears.

African wild dogs are referred to as painted dogs because of the patches of fur on their skin.

African wild dogs are carnivores and their most common preys are impala, blue wildebeest, bushbuck, greater kudu, and Thomson’s gazelle.

While the average lifespan of an African wild dog lasts for 11 years, they have been recorded to have lived for around 15-17 years in captivity.

The white, yellow, gray, and white patches of African wild dogs give them the names painted hunting dogs, painted wolf, etc. Just like fingerprints of humans, no two African wild dogs have the same patterns.

African wild dogs are social animals that live in a pack ranging from 2-27 dogs. The pack is lead by one dominant alpha male and alpha female. Some packs may also have 40 members.

Although African wild dogs belong to the canids family, they only have four toes on each paw instead of the regular five. The African wild dogs do not have the dewclaws like the other canids.

The gestation of African wild dogs is approximately 2.5 months, i.e. 69-73 days or 10 weeks.

The African wild dogs have the largest litter size, i.e. anywhere between 2-20; with 8-10 on average. As one litter size is huge, breeding is strictly limited to the female lead of the pack, while the others contribute by taking care of the pups.

African wild dogs give birth in underground dens, usually deserted by aardvarks. The mother stays with the pups in the den for 3-4 weeks.

Lions are considered the greatest enemy of the African wild dogs, as the former prey on the latter, especially on the younger ones. Hyenas and Nile crocodiles are also dangerous for the life of African wild dogs. In recent times, threats from humans also have increased.

Although African wild dogs are smaller than lions and other predator animals, their hunting success rate is 80% because they hunt in groups.

Being social animals, African wild dogs take care of their pack members. The pups and invalids are given the first share of meat that they bring from hunting.

African wild dogs are considered one of the most endangered species in the world, mainly because of poaching by farmers trying to protect their livestock. Diseases like canine distemper and rabies are also reasons for a decline in the population.

That's It! Let' Check Your Results!