The animal is not currently on display
A long-legged, big-eared animal of exotic appearance, the maned wolf is a relict species that survived the extinction of large South American canids at the end of the Pleistocene.
Taxonomy
Russian name - maned wolf, guara, aguarachai
Latin name- Chrysocyon brachyrus
English name- Maned wolf
Order - carnivores (Carnivora)
Family - canids (Canidae)
Genus - maned wolves (Chrysocyon)
Conservation status of the species
Maned wolf rare throughout its entire range, the species is listed in the IUCN Red List, there is a high probability that in the near future the species may fall into one of the categories of endangered species - IUCN (NT). The maned wolf is also included in the list of species defined by the Convention on International Trade in Species wild fauna and flora - CITES II.
Species and man
The maned wolf is not dangerous to humans, but since this animal sometimes carries away poultry and can attack a lamb or piglet, people chase it. The main reason for the decrease in the number of wolves is the reduction, and sometimes almost disappearance, of natural biotopes. Currently, almost all of the most suitable savannah for maned wolves has been plowed and planted with various agricultural crops. Animals are forced to enter cultivated fields, where they can find food for themselves, but there are no quiet places to give birth and raise offspring, and encounters with humans are inevitable.
A relict species that survived the extinction of South American canids at the end of the Pleistocene
A relict species that survived the extinction of South American canids at the end of the Pleistocene
A relict species that survived the extinction of South American canids at the end of the Pleistocene
Distribution and habitats
The maned wolf is a resident of South America; its range covers the Brazilian Highlands, almost repeating its outline. Northern border The range passes near the mouth of the river. Parnaiba in Brazil to the spurs of the highlands in eastern Bolivia, in the south the range extends into Paraguay and the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil).
The maned wolf inhabits mainly open grassy and shrubby savannas. It can be found on hilly plains and along the edges of swamps covered with tall grass. The maned wolf avoids mountains and rain forests. Rare throughout its entire range.
Appearance and morphology
The maned wolf has a unique appearance and cannot be confused with anyone else. This largest representative of the canids, when lying down, looks like a fox with large ears, but as soon as it stands up, it is immediately clear that it belongs to a different genus. His body is quite short (125–130 cm), his legs are very long (height at withers 74–87 cm); and it weighs only 20–23 kg. The disproportion of the physique is further emphasized by the huge ears and short (28–45 cm) tail, as well as the elongated muzzle: the length of its skull is 21–24 cm.
The color of the long, rather soft coat is also original: its overall color is red, but the legs and underside of the body are much darker, almost black, while the tail is light, almost white towards the end. It goes from the top of the head to the middle of the back black line. The hair on the nape and upper part of the neck is longer (up to 13 cm) and thick and forms a mane that stands on end and visually increases the size of the animal when it is alarmed or aggressive.
The maned wolf is not considered a good runner, despite its long legs. Apparently, they are an evolutionary adaptation that allows them to view their surroundings over the tall grass. It is noteworthy that the puppies of these animals are born with short legs, and the increase in limb length is due to the growth of the bones of the lower leg and metatarsus.
Lifestyle and social organization
Maned wolves are nocturnal and crepuscular; During the day they usually rest among dense vegetation, occasionally moving short distances. Males are more active than females.
basis social structure maned wolves have a mating pair that occupies one home plot(about 27 km²), but otherwise quite independent. The male and female rest, hunt and travel separately. The boundaries of the site are guarded against wandering males and are marked by urine and feces left in certain places.
In captivity, the relationship between male and female is closer; they feed and sleep together. Males living in the same enclosure establish hierarchical relationships.
Vocalization
Maned wolves are not very talkative, but just after sunset you can hear the deep throaty bark that the males make. By grumbling they drive away rivals, and with long loud howls, wolves separated by a large distance communicate with each other.
Nutrition and feeding behavior
The diet of the maned wolf contains both animal and plant food. He hunts mainly small animals: mouse-like rodents, agouti, pacu, rabbits, armadillos. It also eats birds and their eggs, reptiles, snails and insects. On occasion, the maned wolf attacks poultry, and occasionally can carry away a newborn lamb or piglet.
These animals feed alone. Long legs help to see prey over tall grass, and huge ears help to hear it in the twilight. Often, in order to look around, animals stand on their hind legs.
Reproduction and raising offspring
The characteristics of the reproductive behavior of maned wolves in nature have been poorly studied. The data available in the literature are mainly based on observations of animals in zoos and nurseries. They are known to be monogamous. The couple takes common territory, the boundaries of which are marked by both partners. The onset of the only mating season in the year is obviously controlled by photoperiod (changes in the duration of light and dark time of day) - in captivity, maned wolves mate in October-February in the Northern Hemisphere and in August-October in South America.
In natural habitats, cubs are born during the dry period - in June-September. The female makes a shelter in dense vegetation. There are from 1 to 7 puppies in a litter, usually 2–3, weighing 340–430 g. Their color at this time is almost black, only the tip of the tail is white. Maned wolf puppies develop quickly, their eyes open on the 9th day, and already on the 4th week they begin to eat food regurgitated by their mother. The cubs continue to receive mother's milk until they are 4 months old. The color of the coat also changes - at 10–11 weeks they turn from dark gray to red. By the age of one year, young maned wolves become adults and leave their parental territory.
Nothing is known about the participation of the father in raising the brood in nature; in zoos, male maned wolves often end up caring parents- feed and protect their puppies.
Lifespan
Nothing is known about the lifespan of maned wolves in nature; in zoos they live up to 12–15 years.
Keeping animals at the Moscow Zoo
Maned wolves have been kept at the Moscow Zoo for the past 30 years.
Repeatedly they brought offspring, the wolf cubs went to many zoos. In 2017, a young female came to the Moscow Zoo from the Czech Republic.
Maned or maned wolf or guar, aguarachay (lat. Chrysocyon brachyurus), refers to predatory mammals, the canine family.
Translated from Greek name animal means "short-tailed golden dog"
In South America, the maned wolf is major representative families having unusual appearance, making him look like a fox.
Genetic analysis helped establish that the maned wolf is a unique animal that cannot be classified as either a wolf or a fox.
South American. The maned wolf in the north is distributed from the mouth of the Parnaiba River (northeast Brazil) to the eastern regions of Bolivia; in the south, the range includes Paraguay and the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). Previously, it was also found in the southeast of Peru, in Uruguay and in the north of Argentina (up to 30° N), but in these areas it apparently became extinct.
Habitat: The maned wolf inhabits open grassy and shrubby plains (pampas), forest edges and the edges of swamps covered with tall grass. It is not found in mountains or rain forests.
Also found in Brazilian campos, in Mato Grosso (on the edges of forests and in dry savannas), in Northern Paraguay on the hilly plains. The maned wolf is not found in rain forests and mountains.
The maned wolf is one of the most unusual wolves. He looks like common fox, but only on extremely long, thin and slender legs.
The long legs of the wolf are the result of evolution in matters of adaptation to the habitat; they help the animal to overcome obstacles in the form of tall grass growing on the plains and to survey the surroundings while in the tall grass.
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The height of the wolf at the withers is 74-87 cm, body length is 125-130 cm, weight is 20-23 kg. The elongated muzzle, short tail and high ears emphasize the external disproportion of the animal
The tall and soft hair of the wolf is yellowish-red in color, the tip of the tail and chin are light. There is a dark stripe from the head to approximately the middle of the back.
The wolf's limbs are dark in color, and dark spots can also be found on the face. The lower abdomen is lighter.
The paws are “shod” in black boots: on the front paws they reach almost to the chest, on the hind paws - to ankle joint
On the top of the neck and on the scruff of the neck there is long hair that forms a mane. In an excited or aggressive state, the hair on the mane stands on end, which gives the animal a frightening appearance and visually increases the size of the animal.
Thanks to the elongated muzzle and elongated neck, its body appears short. His chest is flat. The disproportion of the wolf's physique is emphasized by large erect ears and short tail. Like most canids, the maned wolf has 42 teeth.
Despite the external resemblance to foxes, the maned wolf is not their close relative. In particular, it lacks the vertical pupil characteristic of foxes. Apparently, it is a relict species that survived the extinction of large South American canids at the end of the Pleistocene.
The maned wolf's lifestyle is nocturnal; during the day it rests in the thick grass and gains strength before the upcoming hunt. Males are more active than females. Wolves live in pairs, occupying about 27 km², the boundaries of the territory of one pair are marked by urine and feces. However, wolves hunt and rest alone. In captivity, the connection between members of a pair is closer: animals take care of the offspring together, males protect and feed the cubs and occupy a higher level of hierarchy compared to females.
Tubers and roots various plants can also be eaten.
The maned wolf grabs its prey and immediately swallows it, since its jaws are weak and it is not easy for it to chew the prey, which is why it feeds mainly on small animals.
The animal hunts mainly animals: rodents (agouti, paca, tuco-tuco), rabbits, armadillos, as well as birds and their eggs, reptiles, snails and insects.
When hunting rodents, the maned wolf apparently hunts from ambush. Its large, movable ears also help in detecting prey, allowing it to hear animals in thick and tall grass. At the same time, the maned wolf knocks on the ground with its front paw to scare away the prey and immediately rushes to catch it.
On occasion, it attacks poultry, which makes the maned wolf the sworn enemy of poultry farmers. Very rarely, during a food shortage, when gathered in a group, it can attack a lamb or piglet. Avoids other farm animals
The sounds made by the maned wolf are different. You can hear the deep throaty bark that animals make just after sunset, the subtle whining of puppies, and the dull grunts that wolves use to ward off trespassers.
Vocally, maned wolves have a rich repertoire. Where these wolves are found, loud cries of “Waah... waah” are heard from time to time. They are interspersed with short quiet sounds "ay... ow". It is obvious that with the help of these exclamations (“Waah-ay... waah-ay”) animals separated by a considerable distance communicate with each other.
: The life of maned wolves in nature has not been sufficiently studied, but there are many observations of the life of these animals in zoos.
This type leads night image life, but can go hunting even at dusk. During the day, the animals usually rest among dense vegetation, occasionally moving short distances. Males are more active than females.
Long legs allow the maned wolf to easily make his way through tall grass and notice prey from afar. The structure of the legs of this predator resembles the limbs of a cheetah.
The main enemy is man
These wolves do not attack people.
People do not use the skin and meat of the maned wolf, but they hunt the wolf as a pest. Deforestation and plowing of the territory leads to an increase in the area for the wolf to live, but it is not found in improved areas.
There is no exact information about the running speed of the maned wolf, but we can confidently say that he is neither a sprinter nor a stayer. In addition, the volume of its heart and lungs is very small, so local residents easily overtake these portages on horses and catch them with a lasso, and also poison them with dogs.
Some local residents endow certain parts of the wolf's body (eyes, skin, tail) with mystical qualities, which are used as a “talisman” or for making medicines.
Maned wolves are endangered animals. There are less than 2,000 left in Brazil.
The smell of a maned wolf is so unpleasant that it can scare away the bravest... another maned wolf. However, drug addicts love golden dogs and often approach them in zoos to sniff them. After all, their smell is reminiscent of the aroma of cannabis.
By the way, this is exactly how cunning police often catch weed smokers - near cages with maned wolves.
If necessary, a maned wolf can attack poultry, a small piglet or a lamb.
Name: maned wolf, maned wolf, guara, aguarachai.
Translated from Greek, the name of the animal means “short-tailed golden dog.” Genetic analysis helped establish that the maned wolf is a unique animal that cannot be classified as either a wolf or a fox.
Area: Resident of South America. The maned wolf in the north is distributed from the mouth of the Parnaiba River (northeast Brazil) to the eastern regions of Bolivia; in the south, the range includes Paraguay and the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). Previously, it was also found in the southeast of Peru, in Uruguay and in the north of Argentina (up to 30° N), but in these areas it apparently became extinct.
Description: The maned wolf is one of the most unusual wolves. It is similar to the common fox, but has extremely long, thin and slender legs. Thanks to the elongated muzzle and elongated neck, its body appears short. His chest is flat. The disproportion of the wolf's physique is emphasized by large erect ears and a short tail. Hairline tall, thick and rather soft, has a brownish-red tint. There are dark spots on the wolf's paws and face, the end of the tail and the bottom of the muzzle are of a lighter tone. The fur around the neck is noticeably longer (up to 13 cm) and grows thick, like a mane. When a wolf is alarmed or aggressive, the “mane” stands on end and visually increases the size of the animal. Previously it was assumed that the maned wolf's long legs were needed for running, but now another explanation has been given - they help him survey the surroundings while in tall grass.
Like most canids, the maned wolf has 42 teeth.
Despite the external resemblance to foxes, the maned wolf is not their close relative. In particular, it lacks the vertical pupil characteristic of foxes. His kinship with his family Dusicyon also proved controversial. Apparently, it is a relict species that survived the extinction of large South American canids at the end of the Pleistocene.
Color: The color of the long and rather soft coat is yellowish-red, but the legs and undersides are much darker, almost black, while the tail is very light. Its color is dominated by reddish, yellow and brown tones. The lower abdomen is lighter. A black stripe stretched from the top of the head to the middle of the back. The paws are “shod” in black boots: on the front paws they reach almost to the chest, on the hind paws - to the ankle joint. The throat and tip of the tail are white. The muzzle is black.
Size: Body length approximately 115-125 cm, tail about 30 cm, shoulder height up to 75 cm, skull length: 20.9-24.3 cm.
Weight: 20-23 kg.
Lifespan: Unknown in nature, but in captivity lives up to 12-15 years.
Voice: Vocally, maned wolves have a rich repertoire. Where these wolves are found, loud cries of “Waah... waah” are heard from time to time. They are interspersed with short quiet sounds "ay... ow". It is obvious that with the help of these exclamations (“Waah-ay... waah-ay”) animals separated by a considerable distance communicate with each other. In addition, you can hear the deep throaty bark that animals make just after sunset, the subtle whining of puppies, as well as the dull grunt that wolves use to ward off trespassers.
Habitat: The maned wolf inhabits open grassy and shrubby plains (pampas), forest edges and the edges of swamps covered with tall grass. It is not found in mountains or rain forests.
Enemies: The main enemy is man. The species is also susceptible to diseases, in particular parvovirus infection (distemper).
Behavior: The life of maned wolves in nature has not been sufficiently studied, but there are many observations of the life of these animals in zoos.
This species is nocturnal, but can go hunting at dusk. During the day, the animals usually rest among dense vegetation, occasionally moving short distances. Males are more active than females.
A pair of maned wolves occupies an area of about 27 km 2. The couple marks the boundaries of the area with urine and feces. The male and female do not sleep together; they also hunt separately. In captivity, the relationship between a male and a female is closer - they jointly raise their offspring.
The maned wolf grabs its prey and immediately swallows it, since its jaws are weak and it is not easy for it to chew the prey, which is why it feeds mainly on small animals.
Long legs allow the maned wolf to easily make his way through tall grass and spot prey from afar. Research has shown that this wolf has especially strongly elongated shins and metatarsals. The structure of the legs of this predator resembles the limbs of a cheetah. There is no exact information about the running speed of the maned wolf, but we can confidently say that he is neither a sprinter nor a stayer. In addition, the volume of its heart and lungs is very small, so local residents easily overtake these portages on horses and catch them with a lasso, and also poison them with dogs.
Social structure: Maned wolves do not live in packs; most often they roam alone, only forming pairs during the mating season. The basis of the social structure of maned wolves is a mating pair, which occupies one home site (about 25-30 km 2), but is otherwise quite independent. In captivity, babies, being in a group, begin to establish a hierarchy at the age of one month.
Reproduction: Maned wolves are monogamous, and their reproductive cycle is poorly understood. The onset of mating season is apparently controlled by photoperiod - in captivity, maned wolves mate in October-February in the Northern Hemisphere and in August-October in South America. Females come into estrus once a year and last from 1 to 5 days. Mating lasts about ten minutes. The female gives birth to 2-3 (4) cubs in a den built in a rocky cave or dense grass. The maned wolf itself does not dig holes. It is unknown if the puppies are being cared for by their father.
Breeding season/period: The breeding season of the maned wolf is between December and June. Puppies are born in winter.
Puberty: Young maned wolves reach sexual maturity at the age of one year, and begin breeding at the age of two.
Pregnancy: Lasts from 56 to 66 days, with an average of 63 days.
Offspring: Puppies are initially dark grey, almost black, with a white tip of the tail. Newborn puppies weigh 340-430 g and develop quickly. The eyes open on the 9th day, and already on the 4th week the ears become vertical and the puppies begin to eat food regurgitated by the mother. At the age of 10 weeks, babies turn red. They have short legs - unlike their parents - they will stretch out later. For the first 10 months, puppies eat regurgitated food brought to them by their parents.
Benefit/harm for humans: Maned wolves are hunted as pests, although their skin and meat are not used. Some local residents endow certain parts of the wolf's body (eyes, skin, tail) with mystical qualities, which are used as a “talisman” or for making medicines.
Deforestation for plowing has a rather beneficial effect on this species, since it increases the area of places suitable for its habitat. However, maned wolves are not found on intensively used agricultural land.
Population/Conservation Status: Maned wolves are endangered animals. There are less than 2,000 left in Brazil.
Population density is low, for example, in Brazil in 1964-1967. over an area of 650,000 km2, one animal was found on approximately 300 km2.
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The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is a unique animal in all respects. It cannot be classified as either a fox or a wolf. Its name is translated from Greek as golden short-tailed dog.
In which country does the maned wolf live?
This animal comes from America. More precisely from its southern regions. The maned wolf inhabits areas north of the Parnaiba River (Brazil), including eastern Bolivia. South part The range covers Paraguay and the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. It used to be found in southern Peru, as well as northern Argentina and Uruguay, but has now disappeared from these lands.
Description
The maned wolf is probably the most unusual representative of its family. Outwardly, it is very similar to a fox, but has very long, thin and slender legs.
Its elongated muzzle and elongated neck give the impression that the animal's body is short. The disproportionate build of this wolf is further emphasized by the erect big ears and a small tail.
The coat is quite high, soft and thick, colored brownish-red. There are often dark spots on the face and paws. The lower part of the muzzle and the tip of the tail are lighter in color. Around the neck the fur is much longer - it can reach thirteen centimeters. It grows thickly, resembling a mane. When an animal is in an excited state, its “mane” puffs up and thereby increases its size.
Previously, researchers were sure that the maned wolf, the photo of which you see in our article, has such long legs for fast running while chasing prey. However, more recently it turned out that they help the animal to view its surroundings by sitting in tall grass.
Despite its resemblance to a fox, the maned wolf is not closely related to it. For example, he does not have the vertical pupil characteristic of foxes. Its relationship to the genus Dusicyon also appears to be controversial. Scientists have concluded that this is a relict animal that outlived South American canids, more impressive size, which became extinct at the end of the Pleistocene era.
Color
The maned wolf has quite soft wool yellowish-red color. The underside of the body and legs are covered with darker, almost black hair, and the tail is quite light. The color of this animal is dominated by reddish, brown and yellow tones. A wide black stripe stretches from the top of the head to the middle of the back. The paws have “black boots”. On the forelimbs they reach almost to the chest, on the hind limbs - to the hock joint. The tip of the tail and throat are white. The muzzle has a black mask.
Size
This is not a very large animal. The wolf's body is about 125 cm long, its tail is 30 cm. The height at the withers does not exceed 75 cm. Weight does not exceed 23 kg.
Habitats
The maned wolf prefers to settle on open shrubby and grassy plains (pampas), on the edges of forests or the outskirts of swamps, which are covered with tall grass. It is practically not found in mountains and rain forests.
Nutrition
The maned wolf eats both plant and animal foods. It hunts very successfully small animals - rodents, armadillos, rabbits, birds, insects and snails. If such an opportunity arises, it attacks poultry. Because of this, he is the worst enemy of farmers as well as poultry farmers. It is extremely rare, when there is a shortage of food, wolves gather in a group and attack a piglet or lamb. These animals never attack people.
Hunting for rodents, the animal sits in ambush. Its large mobile ears also help it detect prey, allowing it to hear animals in tall and dense grass. The maned wolf taps the ground with its front paw to scare away its prey, and instantly rushes and catches it.
This one doesn't refuse unusual beast from bananas, guavas, tubers and roots different plants, nightshade Solanum lycocarpum.
Behavior
Today the life of these animals is natural environment little studied. But there are many observations of the life and habits of red wolves in nature reserves and zoos.
These are nocturnal animals and sometimes go hunting at dusk. During the day they rest in dense vegetation, sometimes moving short distances. Each pair of maned wolves occupies a territory of about 30 km2. Animals mark the boundaries of their territory with urine. The female and male hunt separately. In captivity, they raise their young together.
Long legs allow the animal to make its way through thick and tall grass and notice its prey from afar. In terms of their structure, the limbs of this predator resemble the legs of a cheetah. The volume of his lungs and heart is very small, so natural conditions local residents easily overtake wolves on horseback and catch them using a lasso.
Reproduction
These animals are monogamous. Mating season in captivity occurs in October-February in the north and in August-October in the south of America. In females, estrus occurs once a year and lasts from 1 to 5 days. Pregnancy lasts 66 days.
As a rule, from 2 to 4 cubs are born in a pre-prepared den, which the animals build in rocky caves or dense grass. The male does not dig a hole and does not take care of the puppies under natural conditions.
Offspring
At birth, puppies have a dark gray, almost black coat, and the tip of the tail is white. Newborns weigh about 430 g and develop rapidly. They open their eyes already on the 9th day, and in the fourth week their ears become vertical. Unlike their parents, they still have short legs, which will stretch out later.
Benefits and harms
Today, maned wolves are exterminated as pests, although their meat and skin are not used. Locals They often endow certain parts of the red wolf’s body with mystical properties, such as eyes, skin, and tail. They use them as talismans.
Maned wolf: interesting facts
Today, more and more scientists are inclined to believe that this relict species, which has miraculously survived since the Pleistocene.
It is interesting that these predators willingly include them in their diet during the ripening of wild strawberries, strawberries and other berries. The female and male wolf have different voices - the male makes sounds in a low tone, the she-wolf makes a higher tone, and the cubs squeal like little puppies.
It is interesting that, having such long and seemingly strong legs, maned wolves are very weak runners.
This predator grabs its prey and swallows it whole, because its jaws are too weak, which do not allow it to chew the victim. That is why it feeds on small animals.
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