​Tropical Grasslands

African Wild Dog

The African Wild Dog is a crucial carnivore inside of the Savanna Biome food chain that is classified as an endangered species upon the brink of extinction. Traveling in packs of around 40, these Cape Hunting Dogs are extremely efficient at hunting their prey, keeping the entire food chain in balance. In recent years the survival of the African Hunting Dogs has been called into question as they sky rocket up the endangered species list. 

 

HIPPOC #1: The African Wild Dogs are often either targeted or accidentally killed by the humans living inside of the Savanna. Out of fear for the survival of their own lives or the well-being of the domesticated prey, the dogs are killed by the guns of humans. In addition to fear, occasionally hunters kill the dogs with guns for sport, using the dead animal for a trophy. 

Main Idea: Population ( With the growing population, the dogs are coming into direct contact with humans more frequently, leading to their deaths.) 

 

HIPPOC #2: These dogs are also suffering to survive because of the vast amounts of habitat loss. Whether from desertification or the lands being used for agricultural purposes like the domestication of livestock, the once vast habitat is more limited. When the dogs travel, they end up having less and less space to roam and hunt due to the serve loss of habitat. By humans expanding their influence upon the landscape, the dogs original habitat is much smaller. 

Main Idea: Habitat Degradation

 

HIPPOC #3: Also, the dogs are now one of the most endangered carnivores in all of Africa because of the possession of livestock by farmers. The prey of the dogs are becoming domesticated for agriculture. Some of the main, targeted prey by the hunting dogs are being taken into captivity for breeding, agricultural purposes. This limits the dog’s main food source, only being carnivores. With the limited food source, the dogs are having to work much harder in order to obtain a simple meal. 

Main Idea: Population (need to domesticate more animals to feed growing populations)