Factfile
Where they live
Sub-Saharan Africa
Habitat
Forests, savannah, shrubland and grasslands/open plains.
Size
75-125cm (body), 30-45cm (tail). 65-80cm (shoulder height).
Weight
18-36kg
Lifespan
12-15 years
Threats
Habitat loss, human conflict and poaching, canine disease.
Did you know...
- Dudley Zoo & Castle is part of the the EAZA European breeding programme for this charismatic species.
- We proudly support Painted Dog Conservation – a non-profit organisation registered in Zimbabwe who aims to protect and increase the range and numbers of painted dogs.
More about African painted dogs...
The painted dog is a large carnivore found in several African countries, including Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe. They are highly social, living in packs, and predate on a variety of prey species – such as impala, kudu and wildebeest – on grassy plains and shrubland. Their population has plummeted over the past century and it is now estimated that there is less than 7000 individuals left in the wild.
Threats:
The painted dog’s primary threat is habitat fragmentation, caused by rapid human settlement and infrastructure development. Fragmentation is where part of a habitat is lost or destroyed, leaving behind multiple small, unconnected areas. This division of viable habitat brings painted dog packs into closer proximity with people, and their domestic animals, resulting in human wildlife-conflict and transmission of infectious disease.
Our Impact:
Dudley Zoo & Castle cares for a pack of painted dogs, which are part of a wider European breeding programme (EAZA EEP). The EAZA EEP aims to create a large genetically diverse population of painted dogs in captivity as insurance (in case the wild population continues to decline). Our pack act as ambassadors for their species, helping us raise awareness and funds for their wild cousins.
We donate £5000 per year to Painted Dog Conservation – a non-profit organisation registered in Zimbabwe who aims to protect and increase the range and numbers of painted dogs. They achieve this through wild pack monitoring, rehabilitation, anti-poaching units and community-based conservation.
Our donation helps cover the day-to-day running costs of their rehabilitation facility in Zimbabwe, which houses sick, injured or orphan painted dogs prior to release.
