Рет қаралды 414
Family Canidae: -
There are 36 species in this family, and they are found in all areas of the world, except for Antarctica. Species in this family have long, pointed snouts; long legs; and padded feet with non-retractable claws. They have five toes on their front feet and four toes on their hind feet, and they walk on their toes! Most species are omnivorous, but meat is an important part of their diet.
Canidae are built for endurance, not speed. They can run after prey and keep up a steady trot over long distances. They have four canine teeth at the front of their mouth that they use to hold prey and tear into meat. Many species in this family live and hunt in packs. The species in this family usually kill their prey by grabbing it by the neck and shaking it until its neck is broken. Species in this family have keen hearing and eyesight and communicate with howls, yelps, growls, and barks.
Behavior-
Most canids are solitary animals, hunting alone. However, there are four species that form packs: Wolf, African hunting dog, Asian dhole, and the bush dog. It is believed that humans and wolves engaged in cooperative hunting rituals around 15,000 years ago. This cooperation soon led to the domestication of the dog.
What do Canids eat?
With few exceptions, canids forage for small game animals, like rabbits, squirrels, or small birds. Larger canids have been known to hunt elk, deer, and even moose. Jackals eat carrion on the African plains. The bat-eared fox eats large amounts of insects. Occasionally canids will even eat vegetable matter, although this is rare.