African wild dog

African wild dogs live in packs of up to 30 individuals. Each pack has a clear hierarchy, with one dominant male and one dominant female. Most males remain with the pack for the duration of their life, whereas females leave the pack at the age of 15 to 30 months and join another lineage of males. Their long rounded ears are used to regulate their body temperature. They hunt in packs and usually choose prey that are young or sick. They can pursue their prey at speeds of 60 km/h over a distance of 5 km.

Geographic distribution of the African wild dog

African wild dogs are found in Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and in the region around Zimbabwe.

• 
  Habitat

  From semi-desert to Alpine zone and savannah from Sahara to southern Africa
• Food

  Waterbucks, impalas, gazelles, zebras, wildebeest, etc.

Did you know ?

The African wild dog is threatened by extinction. Worldwide it has a population of no more than 10,000.