Dr. Robert Robbins and Dr. Kim McCreery of the African Wild Dog Conservancy are giving a lecture, in conjunction with The California Desert Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers. The subject is the "Painted Wolves of the African Desert", on October 20, 2007 at The Living Desert in the Hoover Room.
Drs. Robbins and McCreery have been studying African Wild Dogs for over a decade and are among the world's leading experts on this endangered species.
Too few people know about the plight of one of the world's most endangered canids, the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) or Africa's "painted wolf." This animal, once ranged widely throughout sub-Saharan Africa in 39 countries. Today wild dogs have all but disappeared in 15 countries. Their dramatic decline is largely due to human persecution and habitat fragmentation.
Among the top carnivores, wild dogs are a landscape species requiring large, ecologically diverse areas to survive. Species, like wild dogs, may have a significant impact on the structure and function of ecosystems. Because of habitat requirements and ranging behavior, they are threatened by human disturbance and use of natural landscapes.
One of Africa's most efficient predators, wild dogs may help regulate prey species that in turn play a role in shaping vegetation communities. Securing a future for wild dogs, therefore, is an essential part in stemming the loss of biodiversity and preserving a healthy ecosystem. By working with people living with wild dogs, we hope to help secure their long-term survival.
The lecture starts at 6 pm and admission is $5.00. -- www.livingdesert.org
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
