mabeco

mabeco

The mabeco (Lycaon pictus) also known as the African wild dog or the African wild dog is a typical African canid that lives in savanna and sparse vegetation. The species has been common throughout sub-Saharan Africa (except in areas of tropical or dense rainforest and desert areas). Its present geographical distribution is limited to southern Africa, especially in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and southern East Africa in Tanzania and northern Mozambique.

It is a highly social animal, spending most of its life in packs controlled by an alpha couple, who own the breeding rights. These packs usually have 7 to 15 individuals, reaching 40. They have separate hierarchies between the sexes and more males than females. The behavior within the pack is usually peaceful and confrontations usually mimic the quarrel of females by breeding. Sick or injured animals are protected and cared for by the group. The fighters are also divided among all members and the pups have privileges and priority in feeding.

The mabeco is a medium-sized predator, about 75 to 110 cm in length and approximately 18 to 36 kg in weight. Its coat, very characteristic with spots of brown, black, white and orange, gave the scientific name to the species: Lycaon pictus means painted wolf. The head is usually darker and the tail ends in a white tuft. The ears are large and rounded, and the long, thin legs end up in strong four-toed paws, unlike other canids.