🐺 PAINTED WOLF: CONSERVATION COMEBACK
PAGE 1 OF 5 — THE PAINTED WOLF
LYCAON PICTUS
AFRICA'S PAINTED WOLF
The African wild dog is also called the painted wolf because of its beautiful patchwork coat. Each dog has a unique pattern of black, tan, and white fur. Scientists know it as Lycaon pictus. These social dogs once ranged widely across Africa. Today they are one of the continent's most endangered large carnivores. Fewer than 7,000 painted wolves remain in the wild, scattered in shrinking pockets of habitat. They need wide open spaces to roam in packs. Saving them means protecting land, reducing threats, and working with local communities who share their home.
⚡ DID YOU KNOW?
The IUCN Red List classifies the African wild dog as Endangered, meaning it faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild without help.
PAINTED!
PACK LIFE
🐾 Painted wolves live in close family packs that cooperate to raise pups and defend territory.
🏠 A healthy pack needs a large home range with enough prey and safe places to den.
🏠 A healthy pack needs a large home range with enough prey and safe places to den.
RARE SIGHT
👀 Spotting a wild pack is special because their numbers dropped sharply across most of Africa.
📊 Scientists track populations carefully to know where help is needed most.
📊 Scientists track populations carefully to know where help is needed most.