SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.COM) – The Great Plains Zoo (GPZ) is thrilled to host Dr. Gregory Rasmussen, the world’s foremost African painted dog expert May 2 from 6-8 pm at Fernson Brewery in north Sioux Falls. Dr. Rasmussen is founder and executive director of Painted Dog Research Trust (PDRT). Based in Zimbabwe, he will join as part of a three-month U.S. tour to promote awareness for this critically endangered species. His presentation will cover the current state of painted dogs, as well as ways we can help with their conservation.
The painted dog is one of the world’s most endangered mammals. The largest populations remain in southern Africa and the southern part of East Africa especially Tanzania and northern Mozambique. The dogs are social and gather in packs of around ten individuals, but some packs number more than 40. They are opportunistic predators that hunt medium-sized ruminants, such as gazelles. In a sprint, African wild dogs can reach speeds of more than 44 miles per hour.
Major threats to the survival of wild dogs include accidental and targeted killings by humans, viral diseases like rabies and distemper, habitat loss and competition with larger predators like lions. Conflicts occur when wild dogs come in contact with people whose livelihoods rest largely on livestock and agriculture. Problems arise when expanding human activities decrease the habitat for available prey for wild dogs. Read more about these animals here.
