Today – 26th August – is World Painted Dog Day
Some facts
What is the difference between a painted dog and a hyena?
African wild dogs are commonly mistaken for hyenas, but in fact, there are many differences, both physically and behaviorally, between these two beautiful animal species. Hyenas have a larger build with spotted markings, while African wild dogs are smaller and more slender in shape, and have mottled marked fur.
The wild dog is one of the world’s most endangered mammals. The largest populations remain in southern Africa and the southern part of East Africa (especially Tanzania and northern Mozambique).
Wild dogs are social and gather in packs of around ten individuals, but some packs number more than 40. They are opportunistic predators that hunt medium-sized ruminants, such as gazelles. In a sprint, African wild dogs can reach speeds of more than 44 miles per hour.
African wild dogs, also known as painted dogs or painted wolves, are the largest canids in Africa and the second largest in the world after wolves. Historically destroyed as “problem animals” because of conflicts with livestock, their populations have long been declining and they are now considered Endangered.
( source: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/african-wild-dog )
Some info links – Groups working to save African Wild Dogs
- Endangered Species Trust – https://ewt.org.za/what-we-do/saving-species/carnivores/
- Perth Zoo – https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/animal/african-painted-dog
- David Shepherd Foundation – https://davidshepherd.org/news-events-insights/news/world-painted-dog-day/
- Painted Dog Conservation – https://www.painteddog.org
- BBC Wildlife Magazine guide to painted dogs – https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/mammals/facts-about-african-wild-dogs/
