The Maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is a large canine of South America. Its markings resemble those of foxes, but it is neither a fox nor a wolf. It is the only species in the genus Chrysocyon (meaning "golden dog"). It is the largest canine in South America. Its long, thin legs and dense reddish coat give it an unmistakable appearance.
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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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CrepuscularCrepuscular animals are those that are active primarily during twilight (that is, the periods of dawn and dusk). This is distinguished from diurnal...
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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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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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CursorialA cursorial organism is one that is adapted specifically to run. An animal can be considered cursorial if it has the ability to run fast (e.g. chee...
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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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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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TerritorialA territory is a sociographical area that which an animal consistently defends against the conspecific competition (or, occasionally, against anima...
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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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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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SolitaryNo
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 Maned wolf gets its name from its mane, which stands erect when danger is sensed. Its long reddish-brown hair covers its body, with its mouth, back, and tail being black. Sometimes the tip of the tail, the chin, and throat are white. Its legs are almost black, and their length enables the wolf to see over the long grass while it runs.
Maned wolves make their home in central South America, extending from north-eastern Brazil, west into Peru, and south through Paraguay. They also live in parts of Argentina and Bolivia, and possibly Uruguay. These animals prefer open habitats such as tall grasslands, low-scrub parts of forest edges, and sometimes swampy areas. In Brazil, they live in the cerrado, a big area of savanna and open woodland, one of the world's principal "hot-spots" of biodiversity. Maned wolves can also be found in riparian forests, wet fields, and plantations.
The Maned wolf is not a social animal and does not live in a pack. They are nocturnal, hunting only at dusk and during the night. They hardly ever move about during the day. They have three types of communication: a high-pitched whine, a low growl, and a "roar-bark," a low, guttural bark for communicating over long distances. They are shy and timid and pose little or no threat to men. A Maned wolf marks its territory with the strong odor of its urine, a warning to other animals to stay away.
Maned wolves are omnivores. They eat small and medium-sized prey, such as small mammals, rodents, birds, and fish. Much of their diet, perhaps over 50%, also includes vegetable matter, such as sugarcane, tubers, and fruits.
Maned wolves are monogamous and mate for life. A male and female will share a territory but only come together during the mating season, from November to April. Male and female together find a den to house the pups. The males protect their den while the pups are being born. The gestation period is 60 to 65 days, and a litter consists of 2 to 6 pups, having black fur and weighing about 450 g (16 oz). They are fully grown at one year old. During their first year, they rely on their parents to provide food.
The main threat to this species is loss of habitat and fragmentation, with grasslands being converted to farmland for crops grazing purposes. Road accidents cause a number of deaths, particularly in younger animals. Domestic dogs can spread diseases to the wolves, and chase and attack them.
According to IUCN, as of 2005, the Maned wolf population was estimated at 17,000 mature individuals, including 15,849 in Brazil, 613 in Paraguay, 487 in Argentina, and less than 1,000 in Bolivia. The ICUN classifies the maned wolf as "Near Threatened".
