Canines in the wilds of Africa | Tunde Folawiyo

January 17, 2014 Editor

When thinking about the wildlife of Africa, few people imagine dogs walking amongst the elephants, lions, zebras and wildebeest in the jungles and grasslands. However, whilst you certainly won’t find any domesticated canines in this landscape, you are likely to cross paths with two species which belong to the same Canidae family; namely, the African wild dog and the Ethiopian wolf.

The former is endemic to Africa, and prefers to live in wooded areas or the continent’s savannahs. Whilst its official Latin title is ‘Lycaon pictus’, it is more commonly known as the African wild dog. As conservation advocates like Tunde Folawiyo are aware, this creature has been classed as one of the most endangered mammals in the world. Currently, the largest packs can be found in the north of Mozambique, and Tanzania, although this species numbers continue to dwindle with each passing year.

African wild dogs are highly sociable, and are usually found in groups of around ten. They usually hunt together, seizing opportunities to take down prey as they make their way along the savannah. Once they have their target in sight, these dogs carry out a highly coordinated attack, taking up specific positions around their prey, so that they can easily capture and consume it. They are nimble, quick animals, and when chasing other creatures, can reach speeds of about 43 miles per hour.

Although they are relatively small in size, they are able to hunt animals much larger than themselves, due to the fact that they work in packs; they can often be found consuming warthogs, antelopes and gazelle. Whilst their aggression can be quite shocking to observe, their predatory nature actually plays an important role in maintaining a healthy balance within this ecosystem, as they tend to prey on weak, ill animals, who would otherwise spread disease.

The Ethiopian wolf is another member of the Canidae family which most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, have heard of. Native to the Highlands of Ethiopia, this animal can be distinguished by its fox-like appearance, with a red and white coat, a narrow, long skull, and a slim build. Like the Africa wild dog, it remains on the endangered list. One of the reasons for this it is highly specific diet; whilst other canines are quite happy to eat virtually all forms of meat, the Ethiopian wolf will only consume Afro-alpine rodents. They also differ from most other Canidae members, in that they generally hunt alone.