Maned Wolf

== Description ==
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.
== Appearance ==
The 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.
== Distribution ==
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.
== Lifestyle ==
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.
== Diet ==
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.
== Reproduction ==
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.
== Population ==
=== Population threats ===
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.
=== Population number ===
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".
== Fun Facts ==
The Maned wolf is also called the "skunk wolf" due to the strong smell of its territorial markings.
Leafcutter ants use the dung of maned wolves to fertilize their fungus gardens.
Maned wolves look clumsy when walking due to their limbs moving almost together as if they were cycling.
The Maned wolf's long legs help it to sight its prey. They often scrape the carcasses of their prey with their teeth.
A mating pair of wolves claims a territorial area of 27-30 square km and marks crisscrossed paths with urine.
Males and females both use urine to communicate, for example, they mark a hunting path or where prey is buried with urine.
== Gallery ==
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== Main References ==
https://animalia.bio/maned-wolf
Category:Animals
Category:Animalia
Category:Chordata
Category:Vertebrata
Category:Vertebrates
Category:Mammals
Category:Mammalia
Category:Carnivora
Category:Caniformia
Category:Canidae
Category:Chrysocyon
Category:Nocturnal Animals
Category:Crepuscular Animals
Category:Omnivores
Category:Terrestrial Animals
Category:Cursorial Animals
Category:Altricial Animals
Category:Predators
Category:Territorial Animals
Category:Viviparous Animals
Category:Monogamous Animals
Category:Solitary Animals
Category:Non-Migrational Animals
Category:South American Animals
Category:Animals of Argentina
Category:Animals of Bolivia
Category:Animals of Brazil
Category:Animals of Paraguay
Category:Animals of Peru
Category:Animals of Uruguay
Category:Near Threatened