Wildebeest Tries to Defend its Baby from a Pack of Dogs
"...They call them African Wild Dogs. I call them pissed off, inbred Australian Shepherds on steroids..."
For those who are not aware, the African Wild Dog - Lycaon pictus - is not a domestic hybrid running feral.
The evolution of the Painted Wolf is as pure and authentic as Canis lupus. It evolved entirely on its own.
To the misinformed, the title 'African' Wild Dog' is quite misleading. Much of the world assumes the term 'dog' to indicate domestic breeds. Many forget its scientific reference - 'of or pertaining to the 'dog' (canidae) family', which contains various forms of natural Canine, such as Wolves, Foxes, Jackals, and Coyotes.
Lycaon pictus is neither a Jackal, nor a Wolf. Due to differences in dentition, it harbors its own category in Canid classification.
The unfortunate confusion resulting from the label 'wild dog' is frequently considered the cause of much persecution against this truly amazing species.
They are intricate and capable hunters, tangling with prey much larger than themselves. L. pictus weighs an average of 35-80 lbs, and yet they remain one of Africa's most victorious pack predators, with a hunting success that outranks Hyena Clans and Lion Prides.
They are extremely vulnerable to domestic harbingers, such as distemper and rabies.

Posted on:
07/16/2008 2:13am