World African Wild Dog Day | Painted Dog Characteristics and Conservation

World African Wild Dog Day is celebrated each year on August 26th. This is also called World Painted Dog Day. This day is celebrated to raise awareness about these tricolored Canids. African Painted Dog, African Tricolored Dog, African Spotted Dog, and African Hunter Dog are their different names.

World Painted Dog Day highlights the importance of African Painted Dog Conservation and preservation of the habitat of this African Spotted Dog. However, this African Tricolored Dog or African Hunter Dog is the largest canid in Africa. Moreover, this is the second largest canid in the world after wolves.

بھیڑیوں کا عالمی دن؛ بھیڑیوں کی خصوصیات اور مسکن

African Painted Dog Conservation

These dogs are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as Threatened Species. The African Wildlife Foundation is working on African Wild Dog Conservation and protecting them from threats such as habitat loss and poaching. They are only present in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that there are only 6000 African spotted dogs remaining. World African Wild Dog Day or World Painted Dog Day also raise awareness for its conservation.

لگڑ بگڑ کا عالمی دن ; خصوصیات، اقسام اور دلچسپ حقائق

Characteristics of African Wild Dog

The name of this African tricolored dog is due to their colorful patchy coat. Due to this coat, they have different names. They belong to the genus Lycaon and the family Canidae. Painted lycaon is also among their names. African Hunter Dog Characteristics are distinctive among other carnivores. They have a hairy coat with blotches of black, yellow, and white. However, each individual has a unique pattern.

They have broad flat head and a short muzzle. They have long legs and large rounded ears. Moreover, they have a bushy tail with a white tip.  However, their tail may serve as a flag to keep the pack in contact while hunting. They do not have dewclaws on the foot. The middle two toepads are usually fused.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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