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Each wild dog has its own unique markings of yellow, black, brown and white.
photo: Tom Gillespie
Characteristics: African wild dogs may weigh up to 80 pounds with no size variation between sexes. Each wild dog has its own unique markings of yellow, black, brown and white.
Wild dogs form packs consisting of 6-20 members. They prefer large woodland areas and open plains.
Diet: African wild dogs are nomadic hunters that primarily eat medium size hoofstock such as Thomson’s Gazelles, Springbok, and Impala.
Reproduction: The dominant male and female dogs produce a litter of 6-8 pups. All adults in a pack help raise and feed the young. Pups are fed regurgitated food from the adults.
Environmental Connections: Wild dogs need space - a commodity that is fast becoming scarce due to human population growth and widespread changes in land use. Their nomadic lifestyle carries them across ranges of up to 700 square miles. They hunt only for what they need and do not establish territories.
Human encroachment has introduced domesticated dogs to the habitats of wild dogs. Increased contacts expose wild dogs to diseases such as distemper and rabies.
Laws to protect this endangered animal are often ignored. They are viewed by many as pests and shot to protect livestock.
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N.C. Zoo is a member institution of AZA and an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr. Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor. A part of the North Carolina Government portal.
The Zoo is closed Christmas day and during severe weather. Call our information line at: 1-800-488-0444.
