What kind of animal is the African wild dog, a member of the canine family that hunts in packs? We will explain in detail about its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. It is the largest dog found in Africa and has a very sturdy overall appearance, which gives it a very scary impression. However, it is designated as an endangered species.
What is Lycaon? About basic status
Lycaon is a carnivorous animal classified in the genus Lycaon, order Carnivora, family Canidae, class Mammalia. This species alone constitutes the genus Lycaon. The scientific name is Lycaon pictus. The body length is 76-112cm and the weight is 17-36kg. Males are larger than females. The genus name Lycaon means “wolf”. Shoulder height: 60-78cm, tail length: 30-41cm. Below is a list of basic information.
| Japanese（和名） | リカオン |
| English（英名） | African hunting dog/African wild dog/Lycaon/Cape hunting dog |
| scientific name(学名) | Lycaon pictus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Carnivora、Canidae、Lycaon 哺乳綱、食肉目、イヌ科、リカオン属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 76 – 112cm |
| Weight（体重） | 17 – 36kg |
About classification
Lycaon is the only species that constitutes the genus Lycaon.
About habitat
The Lycaon is the largest dog found in Africa. It mainly lives in South Africa.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Lycaon’s ears are rounded and large. The auricle has the effect of regulating body temperature. The canine teeth and fourth molars are developed into knife-like shapes and are specialized for eating meat. The body hair is short and coarse, and the coat color is white, black, gray, or brown. Lycaons mainly live in open areas such as grasslands and savannahs, and are mainly active during the day. They form groups of about 7 to 15 individuals called packs to capture prey.
What is your personality like?
Lycaons are very social animals and excel at teamwork. Because they are cooperative, there is a strong sense of camaraderie. It is an animal that is thought to have a very strong bond with them.
What is the ecology like?
Lycaon hunts and eats antelopes such as kazel and impala. They also catch and eat black-tailed wildebeest. They usually hunt in groups. The success rate of hunting is said to be high, at over 60%. Breeding occurs from April to July, and the gestation period is 60 to 80 days. They reach sexual maturity in one to one and a half years, and have a lifespan of about 11 years before leaving the nest.
Are there any natural enemies?
Lycaon has no particular natural enemies. Even against lions, multiple lions may jump at you. Together, we will take action and defeat wild carnivores such as hyenas and cheetahs. In social life, the members of each individual cooperate with each other.
Is Lycaon an endangered species?
African wild dogs are designated as an endangered species. They used to be widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, excluding deserts and dense forests, but their distribution has narrowed considerably. They are already extinct in most of North and West Africa. Their lives are tougher than you might imagine, and more and more of them are being raised in institutions.
exterminated as a pest
Because African wild dogs attack livestock, farmers have retaliated against them, and many of them have been killed. They are also being exterminated through traffic accidents, shooting, trapping, and poisoning. Their population is also declining significantly in Central and Northeast Africa. They often die of illness and other factors before their young have a chance to grow up.
Can Lycaons be bred?
African wild dogs are not suitable for keeping as pets. They attack livestock, so it is extremely difficult for ordinary people to keep them as pets. It is preferable to see them at zoos. Although this animal has never been heard of in Japan, it is now possible to see them at Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia and Fuji Safari Park. They are very fast, and humans cannot keep up with them.
コメント