Estate is a new canvas for Painted Dogs now at Longleat
WITH his ears pricked, Tassili looks straight at the camera – alert and curious. He has a unique pattern to his coat made up of different shades of brown and black while his fluffy fur and bushy tail suggests he is approachable.
But Tassali, along with Ru, Kuwinda, Kenya, Rafiy and Tan, are wild animals – the new residents on the Longleat estate in Wiltshire.
The pack of six African painted dogs were settling into a new purpose built enclosure, which opened yesterday on Friday and visitors can get closer than ever to this endangered species thanks to a dedicated visitor centre with floor to ceiling windows.
“They are coming close to the glass which is giving people the chance to be literally face-to-face with them. At times they have pressed their noses against the window and it is incredible for our visitors to be able to be so close to wild animals,” said Darren Beasley, Head of animal operations at Longleat.
“Each has a different detailed coat pattern and are one of the most striking and charismatic animals.
“Packs are tight knit and work together as a team; we have seen this in action already and this characteristic makes them one of the most effective hunters.
“The fact they are coming so close to the windows is because they are highly social animals who use a variety of behaviours used for communication, hunting and play.”
African painted dogs are classified as an endangered species, and their numbers are continuing to decline according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.
There are approximately 7,000 dogs left in the wild, with only 1,400 mature adults. Their largest threat is habitat loss and fragmentation, particularly from the increase in human settlements and infrastructure. The species is supported by TUSK, a conservation charity with whom Longleat has worked closely for 20 years and the pack is part of the European breeding programme.
Darren said: “Holding bachelor groups of any endangered species is vital to a well-coordinated breeding programme. Throughout Europe the Painted Dog population can be managed and matched when required by using the right breeding and nonbreeding animals, so securing a robust and diverse population.”
To celebrate the arrival of the African Painted Dogs, Longleat is holding an exclusive Predators event enabling young guests to take on challenges of strength, speed and more. For more information www. longleat.co.uk
Throughout Europe the Painted Dog population can be managed and matched when required by using the right breeding and non-breeding animals DARREN BEASLEY