African Wild Dog

Known by many other common names, including Cape Hunting Dog, the African Wild Dog is the largest wild canid in Africa and the only surviving member of its genus. Its scientific name, which translates to Painted Wolf, refers to the extremely variable coloration of the fur, which is typically a mixture of yellow, brown and black markings, with a few white patches, that vary between individuals and populations. Unlike many other canids, it has no underfur. The African wild dog also have a comparatively slim and tall build, with large rounded ears.

African wild dogs are extremely sociable, living in packs of up to 27 individuals lead by an alpha pair. Only the alpha pair breed, with the rest of the pack helping to care for the pups. Females will leave their birth pack when they mature. The pack will also hunt together, typically targeting medium-sized antelope and up to 90% of their hunts end in a kill, giving the wild dog a greater success rate than lions and spotted hyenas, who may steal their kills. The African wild dog was once common across the African savannah, but is now limited to fragmented populations and is considered "Endangered".