African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus pictus) The African Wild Dog is
listed as endangered by the IUCN and the United States
Endangered Species Act. Habitat loss and diseases that are
spread by domestic animals jeopardize the remaining African
hunting dog populations. These animals are one of Africa's most
endangered carnivores. They are nearly as endangered as the
black rhino and they are still persecuted by farmers and
hunters. Fewer than 5,000 dogs remain and because they need vast
home ranges, it makes conservation difficult. The African
hunting dogs' scientific name, Lycaon pictus, reflects the color
of their coat. Lycaon pictus literally means "painted or ornate
wolf." The fur appears to be painted with brown, red, black,
yellow and white areas. The pattern of colors is different on
each animal's coat, much like the stripes of zebras. Typically
there is dark fur on the head and a white tip on the end of
their bushy tail. Males and females tend to be approximately the
same size. They have large, round ears use