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Long labeled the Shifty Sam or common criminal of the animal world, the Wild Dog lays claim to a tattered and ill-deserved reputation of being "a terrible foe", a "wasteful hunter" and a "cruel killer".
	Contrary to this however, the Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus/ painted wolf), is a skilled efficient hunter that plays a unique role in Africa's ecosystem. It plays a vitally important role in the food chain in that it removes weak and unhealthy animals from pray populations - so contributing towards the survival of the fittest in other species.

Declared an endangered species by the IUCN (World Conservation Union), the Wild Dog is the most endangered carnivore in southern Africa. Today there are less than 5 000 Wild Dogs still alive and the only viable surviving population (340 animals) in South Africa, is found in the Kruger National Park.
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