![]() Two years later, Smith connected this word with Turkish: deli 'mad, crazy', and erroneously compared the Turkish word with Old Saxon: dol and Dutch: dol (cfr. In 1827, Charles Hamilton Smith claimed that it was derived from a language spoken in 'various parts of the East'. He stated that dhole was a common local name for the species. ![]() The possible earliest written use of the word in English occurred in 1808 by soldier Thomas Williamson, who encountered the animal in Ramghur district, India. Factors contributing to this decline include habitat loss, loss of prey, competition with other species, persecution due to livestock predation, and disease transfer from domestic dogs. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, as populations are decreasing and estimated to comprise fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. In tropical forests, the dhole competes with the tiger ( Panthera tigris) and the leopard ( Panthera pardus), targeting somewhat different prey species, but still with substantial dietary overlap. It is a diurnal pack hunter which preferentially targets large and medium-sized ungulates. ![]() Such clans usually consist of about 12 individuals, but groups of over 40 are known. The dhole is a highly social animal, living in large clans without rigid dominance hierarchies and containing multiple breeding females. During the Pleistocene, the dhole ranged throughout Asia, Europe and North America but became restricted to its historical range 12,000–18,000 years ago. 10 but distinct in several anatomical aspects: its skull is convex rather than concave in profile, it lacks a third lower molar and the upper molars sport only a single cusp as opposed to between two and four. It is genetically close to species within the genus Canis, : Fig. Other English names for the species include Asian wild dog, Asiatic wild dog, Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red dog, red wolf, and mountain wolf. National Geographic grantee Rosemary Groom is among the many advocates who are working to ensure the continued survival of African wild dogs.The dhole ( Cuon alpinus / d oʊ l/) is a canid native to Central, South, East and Southeast Asia. These include awareness initiatives that dispel myths about the animals as well as educational initiations that offer farmers training in livestock management techniques that prevent depredation. Conservation groups are also working on initiatives that reduce conflict between humans and African wild dogs. ConservationĪfrican wild dogs are among the many species that benefit from the creation of protected wildlife corridors that help connect their increasingly fragmented habitats. The International Union for Conservation of Nature reports that the population level of African wild dogs fluctuates but is in a likely irreversible decline, which is why it considers this species to be endangered. They are also threatened by shrinking space to roam in their African home as well as their susceptibility to diseases like rabies and canine distemper. Unfortunately, African wild dogs are often hunted and killed by farmers who fear for their livestock. As human settlements expand, the dogs have sometimes developed a taste for livestock, though significant damage is rare and most dogs prefer wild prey. The dogs supplement their diet with rodents and birds. Packs hunt antelopes and will also tackle much larger prey, such as wildebeests, particularly if their quarry is ill or injured. ![]() Larger packs were more common before the dogs became endangered. Social interactions are common, and the dogs communicate by touch, actions, and vocalizations.Īfrican wild dogs hunt in formidable, cooperative packs of six to 20 (or more) animals. These dogs are very social, and packs have been known to share food and to assist weak or ill members. The female has a litter of two to 20 pups, which are cared for by the entire pack. Pack behavior and huntingĪfrican wild dogs live in packs that are usually dominated by a monogamous breeding pair. Their largest populations can be found in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. These days, African wild dogs typically roam the open plains and sparse woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. Though they were once found throughout the continent-from desert to mountain habitats-African wild dogs have disappeared from most of their geographic range. These long-legged canines have only four toes per foot, unlike other dogs, which have five toes on their forefeet. Each animal has its own unique coat pattern, and all have big, rounded ears. Its scientific name, Lycaon pictus, means “painted wolf,” referring to the animal's irregular, mottled coat, which features patches of red, black, brown, white, and yellow fur. The African wild dog is known by many names, including Cape hunting dog or painted dog. Current Population Trend: Decreasing What is the African wild dog?
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