10 Wild Facts You Didn’t Know About African Wild Dogs This World Wild Dog Day

This World Wild Dog Day, celebrated annually on 26 August, the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve is shining the spotlight on one of Africa’s most remarkable and endangered predators: the African Wild Dog. Known for their striking coats, highly social packs, and incredible teamwork, these charismatic animals play a vital role in the balance of our ecosystems.

"African Wild Dogs are one of the most fascinating animals to observe and learn about. Their social bonds, resilience, and intelligence make them truly unique," says Didi Mahlo, field ranger at the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve. “This World Wild Dog Day, we want to inspire South Africans to celebrate and protect these animals, because they are an essential part of our natural heritage.”

As part of its mission to protect wildlife and educate the public, the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve shares 10 fascinating facts about African Wild Dogs and encourages readers to visit the reserve to see these incredible animals up close. 

They are not actually "dogs."

African wild dogs belong to the genus Lycaon. This makes them a distinct species from domestic dogs and other canids like wolves and jackals. Their scientific name, Lycaon pictus, translates to "painted wolf," a reference to their unique coat.

Every dog has a unique coat.

No two African wild dogs have the same coat pattern. Their chaotic, colourful blotches of yellow, brown, black, and white are like human fingerprints and can be used by researchers to identify individual dogs.

They are one of Africa's most endangered carnivores.

With an estimated population of only about 6,600 adults, African wild dogs are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. They face threats from habitat loss, human conflict, and infectious diseases from domestic dogs.

They have a 90% hunting success rate.

African wild dogs are incredibly efficient hunters, with a success rate far higher than lions or cheetahs. This is due to their exceptional teamwork and stamina, which allows them to outlast their prey in long, high-speed chases.

They vote on hunts by "sneezing."

Before a hunt, pack members perform a ritual that involves a series of social sneezes. Researchers believe this is a form of consensus-building, where a flurry of sneezes can signal the group's readiness to begin the hunt.

The entire pack helps raise the pups.

In a pack, only the alpha male and female breed. However, all members of the pack take on the responsibility of raising and feeding the pups, even regurgitating food for them when they are young.

They have massive ears.

Wild dogs have large, rounded ears that look a bit like satellite dishes. These ears help them hear faint sounds from far away, but they also serve a crucial purpose in helping the dogs dissipate body heat in the hot African climate.

They have only four toes.

Unlike most canids who have five toes on their front feet, the African wild dog has a unique physical characteristic: four toes on each foot and no dewclaws. This is thought to be an adaptation for speed.

They care for the old and sick.

Wild dogs are known for their altruistic behaviour. If a pack member is old, sick, or injured, the other dogs will continue to bring them food and care for them until they recover.

They have a very specific vocal range.

Instead of barking, wild dogs communicate with a variety of unique sounds, including squeaks, hoots, and chattering sounds, to coordinate while on the move or during a hunt.

Visitors to the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve can see African Wild Dogs up close during educational game drives and feeding sessions. By seeing these incredible animals up close, the reserve hopes to educate visitors on why protecting these predators is so important.

For more information, visit https://www.rhinolion.co.za/ or the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve’s Facebook or Instagram pages.