African wild dogs are one of the most endangered large carnivores, with welfare threats from habitat loss, disease, and conflict with livestock farmers and other predators.
African wild dog welfare is inseparable from their social pack structure. These are among the most cooperatively social carnivores, and loss of any pack member affects the group significantly. Snare injuries — intended for other species — cause severe trauma including limb loss that requires pack members to adjust feeding roles. Disease outbreaks in small, connected populations can eliminate entire packs in weeks. Population connectivity through wildlife corridors provides the foundation for both conservation and individual welfare.