Animal Profiles
Mammals

African Wild Dog

Lycaon pictus

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The African wild dog is a social canid with an irregularly patterned coat. Packs cooperate in hunting and in caring for young.

Lycaon pictus

AfricanConservation · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Sub-Saharan African landscapes with sufficient space and prey, including savanna and woodland mosaics.
Habitat
Savanna, Grassland
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Antelope and other mammals, with prey size varying by opportunity.

Classification

Common name
African Wild Dog
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Lycaon pictus
Taxon rank
species
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Lycaon
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Measurements

Size and speed

Length
0.75 to 1.1 m head and body
Tail
30 to 40 cm
Weight
18 to 36 kg

Typical adult ranges. Source: Animal Diversity Web.

Three things to know

  • Coat patterns vary between individuals.
  • Packs cooperate while hunting.
  • Food sharing supports pups and other pack members.

Habitat and range

Sub-Saharan African landscapes with sufficient space and prey, including savanna and woodland mosaics.

Appearance and adaptations

Large rounded ears, long legs and a mottled coat are distinctive. Patterning differs between individuals, and the tail often has a pale tip.

Diet and behaviour

Pack members coordinate during hunts and share food. Cooperative care helps feed pups and other members unable to hunt with the group.

Sources

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