Maned Wolf
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Facts and Knowledge:
The maned wolf is not a true wolf and looks more like a long legged fox and a wolf. An endangered species, the maned wolf is confined to remote areas of the South American savannas. Extremely long legs and a prominent crest of hair across its shoulders are features of the maned wolf that are found in true wolves. Ancestors of the maned wolf are thought to have spread from North to South America two million years ago. In South America, isolated from other species, the maned wolf evolved into today's unique form.
Habits: The maned lives in the dry, shrubbery forests and savannas of subtropical South America. Much of this area is grass land, with swampy regions that grow high, lush vegetation. The tall grass provides cover, and the maned wolf usually makes its den among the thick vegetation, where it spends most of the day asleep. It marks of its territory with feces. The Maned wolf's long legs enable it to see above the tall grass so it can spot prey easily. The wolf's toes can be splayed apart, to help it travel on marshy ground. Males and females may occupy the same region, but they remain solitary except during the breeding season. Males are very hostile to one another. Two males will stalk around one anthers with their backs arched and hair erect, giving the impression of increased size.
Breeding: The maned wolf mates between late spring and early summer. Its mating habits have been observed only in captivity. It appears that the female makes the first move, bowing in front of the male and rubbing against him while pounding her forepaws on the ground. After a short gestation, the female gives birth to two to five cubs in her den. The cubs weigh about a pound. The female defends her young if nessasary. It is thought that the male brings food to the den and regurgitates it for the cubs. The cubs are fully grown i about a year. Their long legs have developed and their fur has changed from almost black to red brown wit black legs, nose, and mane. Although they are sexually mature at this age, they do not usually mate for another year.
Food & Hunting: Like all dogs, the maned wolf is a flesh eater, but fruits make up for half of its diet. Its favorite food is the wild guinea pig found in its area, but is also eats rabbits, rodents., lizards, frogs, birds, fish, and snails. It has a sharp canine teeth for tearing meat and broad, flat molars suitable for crushing fruit. The maned wolf hunts at dusk and a t night. It also hunts during the day in areas that an untouched by humans. Its stalks it prey carefully, stopping to sniff the air and listen for the prey's movement. It catches it prey with a swift, high pounce., Occasionally, it digs mammals out of their burrows. The maned wolf eats quickly, bending its forelegs at the elbow to tear at prey. Although it usually hunts alone, the maned wolf may hunt in pairs at certain times, such as the breeding season. But the two animals feed separately, keeping a wary eye on each others movements.
Key Facts: Sizes, Weight, breeding, lifestyle, related Species
Length: 4 to 4 1/2 ft.
Tail Length: 11 to 16 in.
Weight: 50 lbs
Breeding:
Sexual maturity: 1 years,
rarely breeds before 2 years.
Breeding Season: April to July .
Gestation: 9 Weeks
No of young: 2 to 5 cubs
Lifestyle:
Habit: Nocturnal, solitary
Diet: Small mammals, reptiles, and birds;
seasonal fruit
Life span: 12 to 15 years in captivity.
Unknown in wild.
Related Species: Although it is a member
of the Canidae family, which contains dogs, wolves, and foxes, the maned
wolf is the only species in the Genus Chrysocyon.
Distribution: Found in the remote savanna's and
shrubbery forest of Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
Conservation: Although the Brazilian government has classified the maned wolf as an endangered species. Its numbers have declined greatly due to hunting and habitat destruction. Its range has been reduced in the North and south, but has spread slightly westward.
Special features about the Maned Wolf:
Threat posture: Stands on stiffened legs.
Raises mane and white hairs on its throat and tail; tail is also erect.
This posture enlarges outline of body.
Body: Smaller and lighter than that of
the gray wolf. Rich, red brown fur. Relatively short tail.
Mane: The longer, darker hairs along back.
Wolf will raise it mane to show superiority if its encounters a rival.
Ears: Long and large, like the ears of
a fox. Sharp hearing helps it detect prey.
Legs: Very along in proportion to the
body. Allows easy movement in the tall grass of its habitat.
Black paws look like socks.
Movement: Ambling gait caused by picking
up front and back legs on the same side of the body at the same time. Faster
than it looks.
Did you know:
Piles of feces deposited near a maned wolf's
den can reach a height of 16 inches.
In Brazil, it is believed that parts of the maned
wolf had medicinal powers.
The Paraguayan name for the maned wolf is aguara
guazu, meaning "bog fox."
The maned wolf moves by simultaneously lifting
both legs on oe side of its body in a rocking motion.
A South American fruit, the wolf's fruit,. is
a favorite of the maned wolf. It is believed to guard against a parasite
that attacks the wolf's kidneys.
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