Tanuki
The Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes viverrinus), also known as the tanuki is one of two species in the genus Nyctereutes, alongside the Common raccoon dog, of which it was formerly thought to be a subspecies. Currently, it is thought to represent a distinct species. Within Japanese folklore, the tanuki has had a significant role since ancient times. The animal has also been common in Japanese art, particularly as a subject for statues.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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OmnivoreAn omnivore is an animal that has the ability to eat and survive on both plant and animal matter. Obtaining energy and nutrients from plant and ani...
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ViviparousAmong animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous'...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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AltricialAltricial animals are those species whose newly hatched or born young are relatively immobile. They lack hair or down, are not able to obtain food ...
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BurrowingA burrow is a hole or tunnel excavated into the ground by an animal to create a space suitable for habitation, temporary refuge, or as a byproduct ...
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PredatorPredators are animals that kill and eat other organisms, their prey. Predators may actively search for or pursue prey or wait for it, often conceal...
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MonogamyMonogamy is a form of relationship in which both the male and the female has only one partner. This pair may cohabitate in an area or territory for...
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withThe Japanese raccoon dog has shorter fur of lesser insulation value than mainland raccoon dogs. A rare, white color type can also be found. Raccoon dogs have long torsos and short legs. The tail is short, amounting to less than a third of the animal’s total length, and hangs below the tarsal joints without touching the ground. The ears are short and protrude only slightly from the fur.
This species can be found only in Japan where it inhabits broad-leaved evergreen forests, mixed forests, and agricultural and urban areas.
Japanese raccoon dogs usually spend time in mated pairs but some individuals may stay in a group of until they find a mate. They are mainly nocturnal, but may also be active during daylight. Japanese raccoon dogs live on the ground but they can climb trees to forage for fruits and berries, using their curved claws that are adapted to climbing. Japanese raccoon dogs communicate by growling or with groans that have pitches resembling those of domesticated cats. Like cats, they arch their back when they are trying to intimidate other animals; however, Japanese raccoon dogs assume a defensive posture similar to that of other canids, lowering their bodies and showing their bellies to submit.
In general raccoon dogs are omnivores. They eat insects, rodents, amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles, human garbage, carrion, and eggs. They also eat fruits, nuts, and berries.
Japanese raccoon dogs are monogamous which means they form pairs. Their breeding period is synchronized between females and males and lasts between February and April. A female gives birth to a litter of 4-6 pups after a gestation period that lasts for 9 weeks. Both parents look after their pups in a den for around a month, and then for another month after the pups leave the den.
The Japanese raccoon dog has a wide distribution in Japan and an abundant population. In Japan these animals are hunted mainly to prevent them from damaging crops; however, their fur is desired for use in calligraphy brushes and was exported chiefly to the United States before the outbreak of World War II. Japanese raccoon dogs are frequent victims of vehicle accidents though with conservative estimates of up to 370,000 Japanese raccoon dogs being killed by vehicles each year in Japan.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Japanese raccoon dog total population size. Presently, it is not included in the IUCN Red List and its conservation status has not been evaluated. Generally, the Common raccoon dog is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are stable.
Social animals are those animals that interact highly with other animals, usually of their own species (conspecifics), to the point of having a rec...