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.
Key takeaway
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 overview
African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus) is an mammal listed here as Endangered. Typical weight 20–30 kg (44–66 lb); males slightly larger; lifespan around 10–11 years in the wild (longer in captivity).
African Wild Dog ecology
Diet: Carnivore — antelope, warthog, and medium-sized mammals. Habitat: Savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
African Wild Dogs and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild african wild dogs are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Endangered. See the full African Wild Dog profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
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.
Sources
African Wild Dog FAQs
What are key facts about african wild dogs?
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.
What is the scientific name of the african wild dog?
Lycaon pictus — used in research and conservation listings for african wild dogs.
What do african wild dogs eat?
African Wild Dogs eat antelope, warthog, and medium-sized mammals, with seasonal and regional variation in Savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa.
Where do african wild dogs live?
They are associated with Savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of african wild dogs?
Listed in our guides as Endangered. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.