Canids

Wolves, Foxes, African Wild Dogs, Jackals, and Coyotes are all in the Canid family. Wolves, Foxes, Jackals, and Coyotes are all in the Genus Canis. African Wild Dogs are the last remaining member of the Genus Lycaon, very distantly related to the other members of the Canid Family. They are listed as endangered.

These are some of my favorite images. I could watch the social interaction between African Wild Dogs for hours. The same for Gray Wolves. Coyotes moving through deep snow, a fox basking in the sun. A black-backed Jackel is moving alone across the savanna. Beautiful.

There is a significant effort by conservationists to rebrand African Wild Dogs as Painted Wolves. Watching Painted Wolves move through the landscape is one of my most enthralling experiences.

If you are a fan of Painted Wolves, a couple of excellent conservation organizations are working to save them: Painted Wolf Foundation and Zambian Carnivore Program. The book Painted Wolves: A Wild Dogs’ LIfe is currently out of print. You will not be disappointed if you can get your hands on a copy. The images of painted wolves in all their life activities are breathtaking.

If you are a fan of Gray Wolves, please donate to Yellowstone Forever and designate your gift to go to wolves in the comments. The work of scientists protecting and preserving Yellowstone’s wolves is documented beautifully in Yellowstone Wolves: Science and Discovery in the World’s First National Park. Buy the book directly from Yellowstone Forever at this link to ensure the proceeds go to support the park.

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Bison & Buffalo

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Cetaceans & Hippos