After recently being captivated by the new BBC documentary series Dynasties, in which I re-watched each episode about 5 times, in particular the African wild dog episode (where they are referred to as Painted Wolves) I decided that I too would change my way of thinking and rather call them Painted wolves.
A pack of Painted Wolves crossing the Sand River
You must be wondering what is a painted wolf and why I am not referring to them as wild dogs?
Most of the time when I am driving guests and I tell them about African wild dogs they seem to directly correlate what I’m saying to domestic dogs, but when I refer to them as Painted wolves the guests are immediately interested, and curious as to what these animals look like. Maybe it is because wolves have a reputation of being mystical, because of their hair-raising howl and the role they play in cultural beliefs. They represent different symbols for ancient cultures and indigenous people who believed that humans and animals share a spiritual connection, and that animals come to us to signify certain meanings and moments in our lives.
There is so much more than just the characteristics of a dog to these majestic creatures. True Wolves symbolise intuition, loyalty and freedom in the way they work in a pack which is not much different to a pack of painted wolves.
Two wild dogs from a pack of 9 in high spirits after their successful take-down of a young kudu. The members within the pack have strong bonds and often a joy to watch when they play with one another.
Dogs seem to be something in the ordinary and an animal seen most days in our backyards; there is no wilderness to this. The painted wolves’ scientific name is Lycaon pictus; the word ‘Lycaon’ originates from Greek mythology. King Lycaon tried to fool Zeus by feeding him the flesh of his own son but Zeus had his revenge on the King and turned him into a wolf-like creature. Therefore ‘Lycaon’ means wolf-like and ‘pictus’ means painted.
Painted wolves are more closely related to wolves than domestic dogs but in actual fact are closely related to neither, and are in their own genus. Painted wolves have similar behavioural traits to wolves; they hunt in packs, wolves howl and painted wolves ‘hoo‘ (which is a hunting call that they use to locate the rest of their pack if they lose them during a hunt or during a ritual when they choose the next alpha pair) so if you are still following me, you’ll start to understand where I am going with this.
Heads bowed down as the pack lock their eyes on their prey up ahead. they are very successful hunters. they take down large prey that not one painted wolf can do by themselves but rather with their pack members behind them working together as a force.
Lycaon pictus is extremely endangered; less than a century ago there were just below half a million across Africa while today, there are only around 6000 left.
European settlers that moved into Africa and wanted to establish farmlands saw the painted wolves as vermin. The creatures would hunt their livestock with the consequence of being hunted themselves by the people. Coming into contact with modern humans is also dangerous as they can get caught in snares for catching bushmeat, run over by cars and being in contact with domestic dogs that may have rabies.
Calling them Painted Wolves could have a positive effect on the conservation of these animals as in my mind it sounds more fascinating than the more feral name of ‘Wild dogs’ in the same sense that changing killer whales to Orcas gives them less of a misleading name. So being called a ‘dog’ can seem too plain for their delicately painted coat and complex and fascinating interaction in their pack.
A Beautiful setting of two pack members and pups, looking just like an oil painting. In this photo you can notice their characteristic round ears that almost look out of proportion to their body.
Change can be seen as good, we are living through the process of evolution so change is inevitable and necessary. I think it is time for Lycaon pictus to be painted in a different light.
Lovely blog Jess. Wild dogs or painted wolfs are very close to my heart. It is very special to see them and watch their behaviour. Speaking to farmers they are still regarded as vermin, as is the caracal. There are so many things that threaten them. As you mentioned they get killed in the road and not just rabies but distemper can completely dessimate a pack.
Thank you, Marinda! Yes unfortunately distemper is another problem the pack has to face. They are a beautiful creature and very entertaining!
Though I have never been to Africa or seen one of these animals in real life, I have been very curious about them since first learning of their existence, in a podcast featuring Boyd Varty. They certainly deserve protection, as most living things do ( parasites etc I could do without). I hope to visit one day and get a chance to view them in their natural habitat…
As a Canadian, I find it interesting that you mention ‘loyalty’ as a trait of wolves. It may be very true, however we assign that trait to dogs, not wolves. Though we know them to live and hunt in packs in most cases, they are often celebrated and mythologized for their solitary nature. We use the term ‘lone wolf’ in our culture, possibly as you do in Africa, to describe someone who prefers to live on their own, or act alone in the pursuit of a goal.
Sadly, we usually use that term to describe solo perpetrators of violence, often the case with the school shootings in the US, and in Canada as well.
Our North American wolf populations have faced threat and though our attempts at protection have had some unwanted results at times, I always root for these beautiful, soulful creatures (I am aware that I am imposing ‘human’ characteristics on them, but hearing a heart wrenching solo howl at night is all the proof I need).
Please continue to protect these painted wolves, and all of their fellow animals that pass through your range.
Thank you, Jonathan! Yes you are correct, I have heard of the term “lone wolf”. I would love to see a wolf in the wild one day but it’s on my bucket list, even to just hear their howl would be magical for me!
I think Painted Wolves DOES sound a lot better than wild dogs, Jess! You are quite right. I have NEVER seen them in the wild and would give anything to do so. Wendy M
Thank you, Wendy! I hope one day you’ll get to experience them in the wild, with patience they are usually on the move or hunting making them fantastic animals to watch!
I’ve been thinking “Painted Wolves” since I read a persuasive article in the November 23, 2018 ‘Africa Geographic’ and your blog wonderfully supports the sane name change. They are fascinating, thrilling creatures to see, to follow when they’re on the hunt. Thanks!
Thank you, Mary! They are a thrill to watch! Glad you considering painted wolves too!
I like your point of view and decision, Jess. Yes, let’s call wild dogs, painted wolves and continue to work to protect the species.
Thank you for considering it Pam! Let’s hope it sheds some light on the species!
Coincidentally I watched the BBC Dynasties Show about the painted wolf yesterday. It was so interesting. I have seen the dogs at Londolozi but never saw them hunt. They are so ominous looking with their heads down and ears back! Such amazing creatures, it would be such a shame to lose them. I hope you are right that referring to them as painted wolves may change their image.
Thank you, Leslie! Yes it’s very special to see them and sometimes hunt! Dynasties is filmed so well and really captures the beauty of each animal! I hope by calling them wolves would help them too!
What a lovely piece you wrote. I agree with you that calling them by their latin translation is more honoring of who they are. I fell in love with these amazing canids when I wrote a book on endangered species and learned that they are so close to their kin that they even feed and take care of the ill and elderly of their members, among other fascinating facts. I hope we never lose these magnificent animals and also hope to see them in person one day.
Thank you, Johanna! The way they work in a pack is inspiring and we as humans can learn a lot from them by just observing them! I hope you witness them in person one day, something I will never take for granted!
Very interesting blog, Jess, and well written. I do like the idea of changing the name to be more impactful, however I am far more concerned with their survival. So many core animals are on the decline in Africa. I find it both alarming and tremendously sad.
Thank you, Joanne! Yes it is heart breaking that most species are on the decline but if we all work together and try shed some light/ interest on the animals we may have a chance! One must never give up, that is my promise to the animals!
I’ve been viewing David Attenborough’s latest BBC series, Dynasties and was pleased to see the painted wolfs included. They are fascinating to observe, whether on a frenzied hunt, or seeing pups playing. Your blog ‘s content was timely as these canids are endangered and it’s important for all of us to join together to insure they have a future.
Thank you, Denise! There is never a dull moment with painted wolves! I agree that we need to work together!
Why not call them painted dogs?
Hi Ron,
Interesting idea, but I think “wolves” has a more romantic ring to it, especially since the respective dynamics of the two species, being pack hunters with alpha males and females, is so similar…