African wild dogs, also called painted dogs, are Africa most endangered carnivore facing threats from habitat fragmentation, snaring, and disease from domestic dogs.
African wild dogs are highly social animals with complex cooperative behaviors. Fragmentation of their range by roads, fences, and agricultural land breaks up packs and reduces genetic diversity. Snares set for bushmeat capture wild dogs that range widely, causing severe injury or death. Canine distemper and rabies transmitted from domestic dogs are significant mortality sources. Livestock conflict leads to persecution. Their wide-ranging behavior means they cannot be effectively conserved in small reserves. The Painted Dog Conservation project in Zimbabwe runs an anti-poaching and snare removal program that has significantly reduced mortality.