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Cozy group
"Painted dogs live in packs with one leading pair that gets the offspring. Where the males stay in the group, the females leave around their third year."
Discover in real lifeHabitat:
savannahs and open woodland areas south of the Sahara
Food:
different mammals and birds
Lifespan:
10 years
Weight:
between 18 and 36 kilo
Number of young:
2 to 20 young
Gestation time:
2 to 2.5 months
To be seen:
along the walking and car safari
IUCN status:
threatened
EEP:
yes
About the painted dog
The painted dog lives in savannas and open woodlands south of the Sahara and hunts various mammals and birds. Adult animals weigh between 18 and 36 kilos and live on average about 10 years. They live in tight-knit groups with one male and one female as leaders, and only they have offspring. The rest of the group helps with hunting and caring for the pups. After a gestation period of about two to two and a half months, the young are born in a den underground. A litter can consist of up to twenty pups, who stay safely in the den for the first weeks while the group gathers food for them.
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Habitat and threats
The painted dog lives on the savannas and in open wooded areas south of the Sahara. These vast, semi-open landscapes provide packs with the space to hunt together and cover large distances. The animals are built for endurance and speed, allowing them to efficiently pursue prey in these open areas.
However, the species is severely threatened. The habitat is being fragmented by agriculture, livestock farming, and the growth of villages and cities, giving packs less space and causing more frequent contact with humans. Additionally, diseases transmitted by domestic dogs, such as rabies, pose a significant risk. Traffic and direct pursuit also play a role. Due to this combination of factors, the painted dog is one of Africa's most endangered predators.
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Species conservation in Beekse Bergen
Did you know that more than 10,000 animal species in the world are in danger of extinction? Beekse Bergen works with about 325 European zoos to conserve these species. Through management programs (EEPs)we ensure healthy reserve populations. Together, we form the European Association of Zoos (EAZA).
The painted dog at Beekse Bergen are also part of an EEP. A coordinator maintains a pedigree of the species and manages the population in zoos. Together with a committee, the coordinator gives advice on which animals are allowed to have cubs together. Sometimes that means moving a painted dog to another zoo. This way we increase the chance of healthy cubs and the survival of the species. You can recognize animal species with an EEP by the logo of a rhino with a calf.