Painted Dogs
Once known as African Wild Dogs, these painted dogs were at a
rehabilitation centre in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
The dogs once ranged widely throughout sub-Saharan Africa in 39 countries but their numbers
have been decimated with perhaps no more than 3,000–5,500 remaining in the wild.
Once known as African Wild Dogs, these painted dogs were at a
rehabilitation centre in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
The dogs once ranged widely throughout sub-Saharan Africa in 39 countries but their numbers
have been decimated with perhaps no more than 3,000–5,500 remaining in the wild.
Field
studies have shown that the wild dog is a highly intelligent and social
animal.
Like most predators, it plays an important role in eliminating sick and
weak animals.
The stereotype of the wild dog as a cruel butcher is slowly being
replaced by a less harsh image.
The
African wild dog has a colorful, patchy coat, large bat-like ears and a
bushy tail with
a white tip that may serve as a flag to keep the pack in contact while
hunting.
