African Wild Dog

Even though we will probably never directly interact with the African wild dogs in our life time, we should still try to save them!  They are a pretty animal that adds much needed aesthetic value to the sub-Saharan habitat that keeps losing species due to poaching and habitat fragmentation.

By conserving the African wild dog's habitat, we can also save other species that are beautiful (elephant?).  It is also morally right to save animals; why would you ever want to see cute spotted dogs with big ears killed?

Yes, it will take a lot of time, effort, and money to save the African wild dog, but world conservation will only come with baby steps.  By raising awareness to other people in other countries outside of Africa, this could be the first step in the conservation of other endangered species!  

Why would people hurt the African wild dog?

Farmers favor the killing of African wild dogs to save their livestock which help provide food for African villages.

Conservation only works if everyone becomes involved!

By involving young middle school aged children from the surrounding areas, the Bush Camp is raising awareness not only on African wild dogs  but on all species in national parks throughout Africa.  This entertaining camp gives underprivileged children an unforgettable experience through learning about the local environment.

By teaching children the value of the conservation of nature at a young age, it will hopefully will stay in their minds throughout adulthood and help influence their decisions positively!

One of the easier and less expensive ways to save the African wild dog, signs are used to warn people to be cautious to not kill the African wild dog.  

The African wild dog's range has decreased my 90% causing the species population to decrease to under 5,000 individuals, placing it on the IUCN Red List as an endangered species.  

African wild dogs have much value to the sub-Saharan habitiat!

1. Economic Value: used in traditional medicine; ecosystem

2. Ecological Value: keep ecosystem in balance

What do the African wild dog's eat?

African wild dogs are carnivores and usually hunt antelopes, larger wildebeests, rodents, and birds.  Sometimes African wild dogs eat livestock, which causes farmers to kill them to save their livestock.

-----> Video on hunting techniques:

The African Wild Dog lives in Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, South Africa,Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kazungula, Kilimanjaro, Southern Africa, West/Central Africa in the regions known as the African Sub-Sahara.  This area is considered a sub-tropical region with sparse woodlands and grasses

~There are less than 5,000 left in Africa because there range has shrunk more than 90%