Temperate+Grasslands+Endangered+Species

([J9])([J10])
 * African Wild Dog **

The African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus), also known as the hunting dog or painted dog, is a canine that makes its habitat in mostly the savanna and arid zones of Africa ( J[1] ). Long-legged with large ears, it has two defining physical characteristics; one is that it has four toes on each of its feet instead of the traditional five, and the other is its colorful coat with patches of red, white, yellow, brown and black color. ( J[2] ). African Wild Dogs hunt in packs of around six to twenty, and have a tendency to hunt animals who are frail or injured.

The African Wild Dog has a dwindling population of around 6600, and are currently listed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species under the Endangered status ( J[3] ). The two main causes of its decline are conflict with humans and also habitat loss. The African Wild Dog has been killed by farmers who blame it for eating its livestock, and are losing their habitats to human expansion of agriculture and roads ( J[4] )


 * Black-Footed Ferret **

(J[11]) ([J7])

The Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes), also known as the Black-faced prairie dog or the American ferret, is the only native Ferret species to North America ([J5]). This member of the Weasel family lived in the Great Plains of North America ranging from Mexico to Canada; however, by 1986 they were no longer found in the wild. Recently, in 2016 they were reintroduced to Black-tailed prairie dog colonies--their natural habitat-- across North America ([J6]). Black-Footed Ferrets are small mammals ranging from 15-20 inches and weighing between 1.5-2.5 pounds. They have a small and slender body, a black-tipped tail, a tan coat, short legs with black feet, a round face, and ears with rounded tips ([J7]).

Black-Footed Ferrets are very dependent on prairie dogs; they live in prairie dog burrows and eat prairie dogs. With the growth of agriculture and civilization, American grasslands and shrublands have been plowed over, destroying prairie dog habitats and in turn Black-Footed Ferret habitats. Additionally, prairie dogs have been plagued with diseases--specifically, the Sylvatic plague--further reducing their already dwindling populations ([J8]). The loss of prairie dog habitats and prairie dogs themselves has placed an enormous strain on Black-Footed Ferret populations.

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