Occurring on six of the seven continents and plenty within our own homes, the Family Canidae is widespread and biologically diverse with over 30 unique wild species and most definitely some domestic ones as well. It is also the only member of the mammalian Order Carnivora represented in Australia! Species like Red Fox and Gray Wolf are found on a number of continents.

Canids or “Canines” are species such as fox, wolf, jackal, and more. The majority of species are medium sized and actually quite omnivorous (high protein content however). Many of these animals have incredible endurance and tracking abilities in the pursuit of prey over long distances. Often times these animals are magnificently social creatures that work together in order to succeed which definitely displays their intellectual prowess! 
Carnivores like wolves are known as keystone species. These animals are responsible for the lives of many other organisms, simply by the way they live their own. Many wolves and other canids are affected by our human impact and their populations are in need of our help and conservation. 

This is a lecture style, interactive class with plenty of time to ask questions. Each week within this course, we will have a lesson and slide prepared about a member of the Family Canidae. The natural history of the animal will be shared as well as other information about its biology, ecology, and conservation.

*Week 8 -  08/11/2024*

Topics:
June 25- Week 1: Bat-Eared Fox
July 2- (Week 2): Short Eared Dog
July 9- (Week 3): Coyote
July 16- (Week 4): Black Backed Jackal
July 23- Week 5: Dhole
July 30- Week 6: Red Wolf
August 6- Week 7: Andean Fox or Culpeo 
August 13- Week 8: Darwin’s Fox
August 20- Week 9: Golden Jackal
 *August 27 no class* 
September 1- Week 10: Gray Wolf 
September 8-Week 11: African Golden Wolf
September 15- Week 12: Dingo 
September 22- Week 13: Maned Wolf
September 29- Week 14: Hoary Fox 
October 6- Week 15: Pampas Fox
October 13- Week 16: Sechuran or Peruvian Desert Fox 
October 20- Week 17: Fennec Fox
October 27- Week 18: Side- Stripe Jackal
November 3- Week 19: Bush Dog
November 10- Week 20:Raccoon Dog
November 17- Week 21: Red Fox
November 24-Week 22: Abyssinian or Ethiopian Wolf 
December 1- Week 23: Crab Eating Fox
December 8- Week 24: Gray Fox
December 15- Week 25: Arctic Fox
December 22- Week 26: Island Gray Fox
December 29- Week 27: Bengal or Indian Fox

Week 28: Blanford’s Fox
Week 29: African Wild Dog
Week 30: Cape Fox
Week 31: Corsac Fox
Week 32: Kit Fox
Week 33: Pale Fox
Monday classes 2 weeks behind
May 21- Week 34: Rüppells Fox
May 28- Week 35: Swift Fox
June 4- Week 36:Tibetan Sand Fox
June 11- Week 37:Domestic Dog
June 18- Week 38: Prehistoric Canines

No prior knowledge is needed in order to take this course. Feel free to jump in to whichever week as each is a new lesson!