wild dog
 

Hi! Just found some interesting info on this website. Sorry, if it was already mentioned prior...but,

www.painteddog.org

Hari

cool thanks for the link

Thanks Hari -- looks like a good site. I'll have to give it a thorough read later.

Along the same line here is an update from research in Zambia. This is at an excellent website and it is a wonderful conservation organization for wild dogs.

http://www.awdczambia.org/ProjectUpdates.htm

Thanks Bill....will chk that website also.

Hari

Hello,

This site gathers together links to a number of wild dog conservation projects, including Tico McNutt's project in Botswana.

http://www.save-the-african-wild-dog.com/index.asp

Cheers,
Julian

Hi! Just heard from my agent at CCA that the wild dog pack is back at Ngala...6 dogs and 2 pups!!!!

Hari

Maybe PB can answer this question......it is stated that most domestic dogs are descendants of the wolf. I'm just wondering if wild dogs are too?

Gaurang

Gaurang: yes, wild dogs are thought to have diverged from the Canis genus about 2-3 million years ago forming a new genus Lycaon of which they are the only member. The biggest physical difference is wild dogs have only 4 toes where members of Canis have 5 including the dew claw. They are thought to have branched off from an early Pleistocene wolf (Canis africanus)

Thanks PB, I knew you would have the answer. So wolves used to roam Africa before the wild dogs - very interesting info.

Also, thanks to those who have posted links.

Gaurang: the current day wolf (Canis lupus) ranged through the middle east but probably not into Africa proper. The Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) is a recent (in evolution time) split off from the wolf. The earlier canids that had already adapted, jackals (also Canis species) and wild dogs, probably restricted more modern wolf off shoots from moving down the continent and that is how the most recent species ended up restricted to high elevation northern Africa areas that more closely resembled the N. hemisphere where they could compete better.

The Ethiopian Wolf is probably the rarest animal in Africa with about 500 remaining. They are actually a little smaller than wild dogs -- not large like wolves.

Bill,

How come, all our fodorite trips are planned around wild dogs? and not the Ethiopian wolf....i guess it's a huge hit or miss thing!!! However, one day would like to go to Ethiopia....even if we dont see them, sure the coffee will be worth the visit.....

Hari

Hari

The Ethiopian wolf, still called Simian/Simien Fox or S. Jackal in some references (usually older ones) is found in isolated "isles" of high mountains e.g. Simian Mts. & Bale mountains. Visiting these national parks it is nothing like a "safari" in the parks u like to visit. It is usually hiking or some places horse riding, Though u can see some endimics like Gelada Baboon ...
Rabies outbreak r decimating their numbers (1990 was a catastrophic year at Bale) see recent reports like 2004 at http://www.wildcru.org/research/es/e...ssrelease3.htm

aby

Thanks for the info and link, aby....appreciate it. Sure, a nice hike would do me good.....

Hari

Speaking about dogs... tried to get that famous book "Running Wild" from Amazon. First they postponed, then they cancelled. Yet the book is still available:

http://www.amazon.com/Running-Wild-D.../dp/1560987170

Anyone know alternatives? I'm from EU by the way.

Aby: thanks for the great link and other info.

Hari: as Aby says it would not be like a safari, however, it could be a great adventure that I would love to do sometime.

Pixel: My zoo had a copy of Running Wild last time I was there, the zoo has a wonderful pack of dogs that have puppies every year. I haven't been in a while but will try and pop in next time I'm in the area and buy it if they still have a copy. Luckily I already have my own copy. Email me if you want and I'll let you know if I can obtain it.