Instead of stalking prey, which requires dense vegetation for cover, wild dogs hunt in the open. They generally avoid forested areas, because trees can obstruct their hunting ability. Wild dogs live mainly in grasslands, savannas, and arid zones. This also increases instances of farmers killing wild dogs to protect their livestock. This separation reduces the likelihood of wild dogs in two populations interbreeding, cause inbreeding, and reducing genetic diversity. Farming and development encroach into wild dog ranges, causing increased conflict. The Problem of Fragmentation – African wild dogs are incredibly sensitive to habitat destruction and fragmentation.This means that, while there are 6,600 adult wild dogs, only 1,400 are actually producing pups. If any other females in the pack breed, their pups are quickly killed. The Problem of Social Structure – Though there are many more adult dogs, groups of African wild dogs consist of a pair of alpha dogs, and they are the only animals allowed to reproduce.What’s in a Population – What’s even more concerning about the African wild dog population is the number of breeding Though there are 6,600 or so adults, the number of breeding individuals is much lower at an estimated 1,400 dogs.Each subpopulation is so separated from the next that they rarely reproduce with one another. This population is broken up into 39 different, fragmented, subpopulations. What’s the Danger? – African wild dog populations are estimated to be around 6,600 individuals total.They are unfortunately on the decline, and are endangered by human interaction, which puts them in danger of extinction. Interesting Facts About the African Wild DogĪfrican wild dogs are unique creatures, with beautiful painted coats and skilled cooperation techniques. The wild dog also sports a large pair of ears, and a moderately-elongated muzzle.
WILD DOGS IN AFRICA HOW TO
If you would like to find out more about how to become a corporate partner, please contact Tammy Baker at or +27(0).This dog’s coat is unique among canines, as it is made up entirely of rough guard hairs, and no undercoat. In addition, the co-organisers of the conference will leverage their networks to promote the conference. It will be promoted though a combination of social media campaigns on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, various subject-matter websites and our extensive mailing lists.
It is estimated that the 5-day conference will be attended by over 100 delegates a day from around 20 different countries around the globe. This high-profile conference will present unique branding opportunities for sponsors who care about African wild dogs and the wild spaces they roam. By investing in this conference, you will not only be contributing to the conservation of an iconic species, you will also be investing in someone’s future. Lack of funding is often one of the biggest restrictions that prevents people doing research and feeding valuable information back into the hands of decision-makers. Proceeds from the conference will be used to establish a bursary fund for African students wishing to conduct research on this magnificent species. This conference will have a strong focus on building capacity among emerging researchers and students. The conference will cover the science, the species (evolutionary history, adaptation, biology, speed, the ecology, the beauty, etc.), the spaces where it roams, and the threats that wild dogs face.
It aims to bring wild dog scientists, conservationists, enthusiasts, artists, photographers, funders together to celebrate this extraordinary species and combine efforts for its long-term survival. The purpose of the conference is to create a platform for scientists, researchers, protected area managers, and all interested parties, to collectively further our vision for the wellbeing, growth and protection of the African Wild Dog. The main threats to the species include loss of prey and habitat, direct persecution such as conflict killing, indirect persecution such as snaring and road kills, and in some instances, the utilisation of body parts for traditional use. The species now only occurs in only 14 of the 39 countries it once historically inhabited. Its range and distribution has decreased by 93% and has become increasingly fragmented. The African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus) is globally listed as Endangered with a population of about 6,600 individuals, or 700 breeding pairs.