Unfortunately, African wild dogs are often hunted and killed by farmers who fear for their livestock. They are also threatened by shrinking space to roam in their African home as well as their susceptibility to diseases like rabies and canine distemper.
What is the biggest threat to African wild dogs?
Threats. Major threats to the survival of wild dogs include accidental and targeted killings by humans, viral diseases like rabies and distemper, habitat loss and competition with larger predators like lions.
What predators hunt African wild dogs?
Lycaon pictus Its natural enemies are lions and spotted hyenas: the former will kill the dogs where possible, whilst hyenas are frequent kleptoparasites. Like other canids, the African wild dog regurgitates food for its young, but also extends this action to adults, as a central part of the pack's social life.
Why are wild dogs killed?
Humans are responsible for the majority of accidental and intentional deaths of African wild dogs. Some animals are killed accidentally by road accidents or snare trappings, but others are killed to protect livestock and game populations.
Why are poachers killing African wild dogs?
Poachers endanger Hwange's wild dogs With limited employment opportunities and sporadic rainfall that negatively impacts farming yields, bush meat hunting has gained popularity over the past several years as a means to make a living. Poachers commonly use wire snares, which kill large animals indiscriminately.
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