African Wild Dog
Lycaon pictus
Quick answer
The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) is a highly social carnivore that hunts in coordinated packs across sub-Saharan savannas and woodlands. Adults weigh 20–30 kg (44–66 lb), live about 11 years, and sprint up to 60 km/h in endurance chases with one of the highest hunting success rates of any large predator. Listed Endangered, fewer than 7,000 adults remain.
African Wild Dog facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Lycaon pictus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore — antelope, warthog, and medium-sized mammals |
| Habitat | Savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa |
| Lifespan | 10–11 years in the wild (longer in captivity) |
| Weight | 20–30 kg (44–66 lb); males slightly larger |
| Top speed | Up to 60 km/h (37 mph) in sustained pursuit |
| Conservation status | Endangered (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Canidae |
| Genus | Lycaon |
Where it lives
Savannas and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa — strongholds in Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa; extinct in most of West and North Africa.
What is a group of african wild dogs called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of African Wild Dogs is called a pack.
Baby name
A baby African Wild Dog is called a pup.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Distribution and habitat
African Wild Dogs live in Savannas and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa — strongholds in Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa; extinct in most of West and North Africa. Preferred habitat includes savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands of sub-saharan africa. Across Africa, population density reflects prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and wildlife corridors remain essential for long-term persistence.
Physical traits and behaviour
African Wild Dogs typically reach about 1.1 m in length and 25 kg in weight, with top speeds near 60 km/h. Africa's cooperative pack hunter. Daily activity, social structure, and seasonal movements reflect pressures in their native environment.
Diet and ecological role
African Wild Dogs feed on carnivore — antelope, warthog, and medium-sized mammals. Foraging shifts with season and local abundance. As mammals, they influence food webs — controlling prey, dispersing seeds, or shaping habitat through feeding and movement.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild african wild dogs.
Human interest and research
African Wild Dogs feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Dig deeper into the African Wild Dog
- African Wild Dog Facts 5
Dig deeper into african wild dog — african wild dog facts 5.
- Are African Wild Dog Endangered
Dig deeper into african wild dog — are african wild dog endangered.
- How Long do African Wild Dog Live?
Dig deeper into african wild dog — how long do african wild dog live.
- What do African Wild Dog Eat
Dig deeper into african wild dog — what do african wild dog eat.
- Where do African Wild Dog Live?
Dig deeper into african wild dog — where do african wild dog live.
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Range & geography
Did you know? African Wild Dog facts
- African wild dogs are highly social carnivores that hunt in coordinated packs across sub-Saharan savannas.
- No — they are canids unrelated to hyenas, with a different social structure and hunting style.
- Litters of 6–16 pups are raised communally by the entire pack.
- Conservation: Endangered.
Diet & feeding
African Wild Dog feeds primarily as a antelope and medium-sized mammals. Wild dogs communicate during chases with squeaks and tail signals, exhausting prey through endurance running.
Adaptations
- Wild dogs communicate during chases with squeaks and tail signals, exhausting prey through endurance running.
- Fewer than 7,000 adults remain — habitat loss and conflict with humans threaten packs.
Behaviour & ecology
- Wild dogs communicate during chases with squeaks and tail signals, exhausting prey through endurance running.
- Fewer than 7,000 adults remain — habitat loss and conflict with humans threaten packs.
Communication
- African Wild Dog uses scent, posture, and vocal signals to mark territory and coordinate social behaviour.
- Communication intensity often peaks during breeding seasons and territorial disputes.
Habitat & range
African savannas and grasslands
Ecological role
African Wild Dog plays a recognised ecological role in african savannas and grasslands.
Frequently asked questions about the African Wild Dog
Where do african wild dogs live?
Savannas and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa — strongholds in Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa; extinct in most of West and North Africa.
What do african wild dogs eat?
Carnivore — antelope, warthog, and medium-sized mammals.
How long do african wild dogs live?
About 11 years in the wild on average.
Are african wild dogs endangered?
IUCN status: Endangered.
What is a group of african wild dogs called?
A group of African Wild Dogs is called a pack.
What is a baby african wild dog called?
A baby African Wild Dog is called a pup.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the African Wild Dog:
-
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Endangered) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Lycaon pictus.
- IUCN Red List — Lycaon pictus.
Conservation status (Endangered) and population trends.
- Animal Diversity Web — Lycaon pictus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Life history, morphology, and range.
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How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
