June 14th, 2014

'An Eye on the Prize' 2014 
acrylic on board 61cm x 34cm

I've wanted to paint these amazing wild dogs for some time so here they are. 
The African wild dog, or Painted Wolf  is a highly intelligent and social animal living in packs of up to 40 animals. A formidable and highly successful hunter like most predators they play an important role in eliminating sick and weak animals, thereby helping maintain a natural balance and ultimately improving prey species. No two dogs have the same coat pattern and it is thought that the bushy tails with white tips may serve as a flag to keep the pack in contact while hunting. The hunting members of the pack return to the den where they regurgitate meat for the nursing female and pups.

Sadly these beautiful animals are another vanishing species in Africa due to sustained persecution snaring and habitat loss although efforts are being made to save them from extinction.

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