One day I was reading a book about animals and I found a small section on The African Wild Dog. I read up on it and thought it was a good animal to do a post on. So, here is some info on The African Wild Dog.
The African Wild Dog (Lycaon Pictus) is a carnivore, mammal, and part of the Canidae family. It has a coat with a pattern of black, white, and yellow; different for each one.
The scientific name Lycaon Pictus is Greek for "painted wolf".
Adults usually weigh 17-36 kilograms, 37-79 pounds. It stands about 30 inches, 75 cm, at the shoulder.
The African Wild Dog has a total of 42 teeth. A study established that the African Wild Dog has a Bite Force Quotient of 142, the highest of any mammal living in the order of canivora.
The African Wild Dog can give birth to 2-19 pups, but they usually have about ten pups. Only the leaders of the packs can give birth; so the packs don't over-extend.
Females will usually go away from their birth packs at 14-30 months. Males will not usually go away from their birth packs.
African Wild Dogs hunt in packs. It hunts its prey in a long chase. Almost 80% of all hunts end in a kill. After a successful hunt the hunting party brings food back to the dens for those who are sick, injured, or to old to keep up.
The African Wild Dog has an unusual voice. It sounds like chirping or squeaking, similar to a bird.
Unfortunately, The African Wild Dog is endangered! I hope that humans will do all they can for these amazing beasts!
