African Wild Dog

And here is one of my favorite canids, the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), also known as the painted dog, ornate wolf, imbwa, kikwau, and the mwaba mitu. These extraordinary animals can be found in a wide variety of habitats, from the Sahara Desert to the lower forests of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Impala, duiker, reedbuck, Thomson’s gazelle, and wildebeest are top o’ the menu. Food is shared, even by individuals who did not participate in the kill. All pack members contribute to the feeding and protection of the young.