Guara wolf

Guara wolf

The maned wolf (scientific name: Chrysocyon brachyurus) is a species of endemic canid of South America and the only member of the genus Chrysocyon. Probably the closest living species is the dog vinegar (bush dog). It is in savannas and open areas in the center of Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia, with a typical Cerrado animal. It was extinguished in part of its occurrence to the south, but should still occur in Uruguay.

It is the largest canid of South America, can reach between 20 and 30 kg in weight and 90 cm in height at withers. His long, thin legs and thick reddish coat give it an unmistakable appearance. The maned wolf is adapted to open environments of the South American savannas, one Twilight and omnivorous animal, with an important role in the dispersion of fruits of the Cerrado seeds, mainly lobeira (Solanum Lycocarpum). Solitary, territories are divided between a couple, which is the female estrus period. These territories are quite large and may have an area up to 123 square kilometers. Communication is mainly through scent marking, but also occur vocalizations like barking. Gestation lasts up to 65 days with the newborn black weighing between 340 and 430 g.

Although not considered endangered by the IUCN, all countries in which it occurs classify some degree of threat, despite not knowing the real situation of the population. It is estimated that there are about 23 thousand animals in nature, and is a popular animal in all zoos. It is mainly threatened by the destruction of the cerrado to expand agriculture, road kills, hunting and diseases arising from domestic dogs. However, it is adaptable and tolerant to changes caused by humans. The maned wolf is currently in Atlantic Forest areas already deforested, which was not the case originally.

Some communities carry superstitions about the maned wolf and may even nourish an aversion to the animal. But in general the maned wolf causes sympathy in humans and is therefore used as flagship species in the conservation of the Cerrado.