Why are African Wild Dogs Going Extinct?
Over 500,000 African wild dogs, also known as painted dogs, once roamed the plains, forests and deserts of Africa. Habitat fragmentation and human encroachment have reduced this number to an estimated 3,000 to 5,500.
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Range
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African wild dogs occupy only a small fraction of their former range. Out of 39 range states, only 19 continue to support populations. The largest populations are in southern East Africa and southern Africa, while those in central and northeast Africa have significantly declined. Very few wild dogs remain in West Africa.
Human Conflict
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As humans expand their territories, African wild dog habitat becomes increasingly fragmented. Wild dog packs can cover distances up to 800 square miles in search of prey, but many populations are being confined to much smaller areas. Wild dogs facing competition from lions and hyenas for food in the wild resort to preying on livestock instead. Conflicts with ranchers and farmers lead to the deliberate killing of wild dogs.
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Disease
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Infectious diseases transmitted from domestic dogs, such as distemper and rabies, threaten the continued existence of African wild dogs.
Conservation
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Legal protection for African wild dogs exists in most areas, but these laws are not regularly enforced. Large reserves, such as Kruger National Park, offer wild dogs some protection from human conflict and disease in areas of southern and eastern Africa.
Reintroduction
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Releasing wild dogs raised in captivity along with those caught in the wild has led to successful reintroductions of wild dog populations in parts of South Africa. Earlier attempts at reintroduction with only captive wild dogs failed because they lacked the necessary hunting skills for survival in the wild and did not perceive larger predators as threats.
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