A primer on the African wild dog, also called the hunting dog, a rapidly vanishing species in East Africa. Field studies have shown that the wild dog is a highly intelligent and social animal. Like most predators, it plays an important role in eliminating sick and weak animals, thereby helping maintain a natural balance and ultimately improving prey species.  Wild dogs are often inaccurately villainized as butchers. Physical Characteristics The African wild dog is long-legged, with massive jaws and very large, bat-like ears. Although it resembles some domestic dogs, it differs in that it has four toes on each foot…