Endangered Puppies Emerge In The Netherlands
January 10, 2022
Three African wild dogs were born in Safari Park Beekse Bergen. With the birth of these puppies, the wildlife park contributes to the management program of this endangered species.
Of all the major African predators, the distribution of the African wild dog has declined most in recent years. Only a few thousand adults now live in southern Africa. The main cause of this decline is the fragmentation of the habitat due to the rise of agriculture. In addition, the species is hunted and dies from diseases that originate from the domestic dog, such as rabies.
Protection
Safari Park Beekse Bergen is committed to preserving this species and its habitat. Through the Wildlife Foundation, the wildlife park supports a project to protect the African wild dog by the Biodiversity Conservation Organization (BICO). This local organization works in Kenya and its mission is to promote the protection of all endangered animal species and their habitat, including by involving the local community in their projects as much as possible.
In addition, the Safari Park participates in the European management program, also known as a breeding program, for the African wild dog. The aim of this program is to ensure healthy populations in wildlife parks of endangered species. "That we have been able to welcome three young is very good news," said animal caretaker Mariska Vermij-Van Dijk.
Came out of the hole
The three puppies came into the world in mid-November and have been living in a den ever since. The three cubs got out of there this week. Mother Imani and her puppies are doing well, says Vermij-Van Dijk.
“Imani is an experienced mother and, together with the rest of the group, takes very good care of her offspring. It is not yet known whether these are males or females. The young remain in their den a lot and we want to leave them alone as much as possible," says Vermij-Van Dijk.
round ears
The African wild dog can be recognized by the spots in its fur and large, rounded ears. The pattern of the spots and the color of the spots differ greatly per individual, but similarities can be found among related animals and animals from the same region. The young are more black in color with some white spots.
African wild dogs, not close relatives of the domestic dog, are very social animals. They even share their food with animals that cannot go hunting. Mothers with young or sick animals are fed by the rest of the group.