African wild dogs are members of the dog family that are seen in southern Africa and the southern part of East Africa, especially Tanzania, and Northern Mozambique. They mostly roam in savannah, open plains, and sometimes, in the woodlands of these countries.
Once respected by several hunter-gatherer societies, African wild dogs are known by various different names like painted dogs, cape hunting dogs, and African hunting dogs. They are highly social, and live in packs of around 10 individuals.
However, the dogs are most talked about for their reducing numbers. They are considered to be the most endangered predators of Africa. The major threats to their existence are killing, both accidental and targeted, as well as diseases like rabies, canine distemper etc.
As human encroachment increases, the habitats of the wild dogs are destroyed. This is another factor that leads to Man-animal conflict.
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