Lycaon pictus and today's domestic dogs (Canis lupus lupus) evolved from a common ancestor many million years ago. The Lycaon group split from the Canis group sometime between 2.5 and 4 million years ago. The African Wild Dog today is the oldest, unaltered species of canine; they have been what they are for 1.7 million years. They have eluded domestication, avoiding human proximity wherever possible. They survive in packs of at least ten, with a complex and caring social system, occupying large open reserve areas. Loss and fragmentation, snaring, persecution and road kills, as well as infectious diseases from domestic dogs are threatening the remaining six thousand.
These life-size sculptures were exhibited in the context of "Dogs in the Hoods" at Salon Mondial and have initiated a new follow up project.
