Speothos pacivorus (SciiFii)

The Pleistocene bush dog (Speothos pacivorus) is a canid species in the genus Speothos from the Late Pleistocene in South America, hence its name, and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced throughout the modern rainforests, wetlands, forests, open woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands across South America to help boost biodiversity. When compared to the closely related common bush dog (Speothos venaticus), the Pleistocene bush dog has an overall larger body size, a straighter radial shaft, a double-rooted second lower molar, and a deeper brown coat of fur. Pleistocene bush dogs have a height of 20-24 inches (51-61 centimeters), body length between 42-53 inches (107-135 centimeters), and an overall weight in the range of 77-146 lbs (35-66 kilograms). Compared with the common bush dog, the Pleistocene bush dogs are more macropredatory and are more social pack hunters that primarily hunt tapirs, peccaries, wild boars, deer, camelids, horses, and other similarly-sized animals. Like common bush dogs, Pleistocene bush dogs are diurnal and hunt during the day. Pleistocene bush dogs appear to be the most gregarious South 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. Pleistocene bush dogs mate throughout the year; oestrus lasts up to twelve days and occurs every 15 to 44 days. Like many other canids, Pleistocene 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 12 years in captivity. The conservation status of the Pleistocene bush dog is Vulnerable due to some habitat loss and historic poaching, however, thanks to the conservationists, the Pleistocene bush dog is a protected species.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii