African wild dogs working together on a hunt. African wild dogs cast a striking appearance on the African landscape. The species' Latin scientific name, Lycaon pictus, means "painted dog". Their coloring acts as camouflage to help these canine carnivores sneak up on prey and hide from predators, such as lions and hyenas. Each dog has a uniquely patterned coat. They can recognize individual pack mates from a football field's length away. African wild dogs once roamed across nearly all of Africa. Today the species hovers on the edge of extinction. Less than 2,500 adult wild dogs are left in the wild. Where the animals do still exist, their populations are fragmented in tiny patches in only 12% of their once vast former range. Humans have been destroying their habitat, accidentally spreading deadly diseases, and deliberately killing them. Visit SAVE Wildlife Conservation to learn how you can help save these beautiful animals and make a difference.
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