Maned Wolf
The Maned Wolf is the largest canid
of South
America. It is almost 1 m tall at the shoulder. Its fur
has a reddish brown colour and is darker at the undersides. The
distribution includes southern Brazil
and Paraguay.
In Uruguay
and Argentina
this animal became extinct.
Unlike other large canids (Wolves,
African Hunting Dogs, Dholes) the Maned Wolf does not go in packs
and does not hunt for large animals. A couple shares a territory,
but only in the breeding season they are really caring for each
other. At night Maned Wolves search for rodents,
hares and birds.
They also feed on plants.
According to new examinations the Maned Wolf is not closely
related to any other canid. It is apparently a survivor of the
Pleistocene
fauna of large South American mammals.
