North American bush dog (SciiFii)

The North American bush dog (Speothos magnus), also known as the northern bush dog, is a species of wild dog that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, swamps, marshlands, forests, meadows, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The adult North American bush dogs have soft long brownish-tan fur, with a lighter reddish tinge on the head, neck and back and a bushy tail, while the underside is dark, sometimes with a lighter throat patch. Younger individuals, however, have black fur over their entire bodies. Adults typically have a head-body length of 57–75 cm (22–30 in), with a 12.5–15 cm (5–6 in) tail. They have a shoulder height of 20–30 cm (8–12 in) and weigh 5–8 kg (11–18 lb). They have short legs relative to their body, as well as a short snout and relatively small ears. The teeth are adapted for its carnivorous habits. Although the North American bush dogs are almost identical to the South American bush dog (Speothos venaticus), they are slightly leaner in build and are somewhat faster in running speed than their South American relatives. The North American bush dogs are carnivores and hunt during the day. Some of their typical prey are squirrels, muskrats, beavers, pacas, agoutis, and capybaras, which are large rodents. Although they can hunt alone, bush dogs are usually found in small packs. The dogs can bring down much larger prey, including peccaries and rheas, and a pack of six dogs has even been reported hunting a 250 kg (550 lb) tapir. When hunting paca, part of the pack chases it on land and part wait for it in the water, where it often retreats. Bush dogs appear to be one of the most gregarious American canid species. They use hollow logs and cavities such as armadillo burrows for shelter. Packs consist of a single mated pair and their immediate relations, and have a home range of 3.8 to 10 square kilometres (1.5 to 3.9 sq mi). Only the adult pair breed, while the other members of the pack are subordinate, and help with rearing and guarding any pups. Packmates keep in contact with frequent whines, perhaps because visibility is poor in the undergrowth where they typically hunt. While eating large prey, parents position themselves at either ends of the animal, making it easier for the pups to disembowel it. Bush dogs mate throughout the year; oestrus lasts up to twelve days and occurs every 15 to 44 days. Like many other canids, bush dog mating includes a copulatory tie, during which the animals are locked together. Urine-marking plays a significant role in their pre-copulatory behavior. Gestation lasts from 65 to 83 days and normally results in the birth of a litter of three to six pups, although larger litters of up to 10 have been reported. The young are born blind and helpless and initially weigh 125 to 190 grams (4.4 to 6.7 oz). The eyes open after 14 to 19 days and the pups first emerge from the nativity den shortly thereafter. The young are weaned at around four weeks and reach sexual maturity at one year. They can live for up to 10 years in captivity. The conservation status of the North American bush dog is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American bush dog's wide range, its immunity against any kind of diseases and viruses, and its tolerance to most of human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii