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Mähnenwolf  Zoo Singapur Mähnenwölfe Maned wolf

The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is a striking and unique species native to the grasslands and savannas of South America, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Despite its name, the maned wolf is not closely related to other wolf species but is the largest canid in South America. Its distinct appearance and behavior set it apart from other members of the dog family, making it an intriguing animal for researchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Key Features of the Maned Wolf:

1. Appearance:

   • Tall and Slim Build: The maned wolf has long, slender legs and a relatively tall frame, which give it a stilted and elegant appearance. It stands about 75 cm (30 inches) at the shoulder and can reach a length of 1.2 to 1.5 meters (4-5 feet), including its tail.
   • Coat Color: It has a distinctive reddish-brown coat with a darker mane along its neck and shoulders, which is why it’s called the "maned" wolf. The mane is erect and can be raised when the animal feels threatened or excited.
   • Long Tail: The tail is bushy and typically black at the tip, adding to its unique appearance.
   • Face: Its face is long and slender, with large ears that are highly expressive and aid in detecting sounds in the open landscapes it inhabits.

2. Habitat:

   • The maned wolf is primarily found in open grasslands, scrublands, and savannas. It thrives in areas with low vegetation, such as the Brazilian Cerrado, which is a vast tropical savanna.
   • It is typically found at altitudes ranging from sea level to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet).
   • Unlike other wolves, which are more associated with forests, the maned wolf has adapted to more open landscapes where it can cover large distances to search for food.

3. Diet:

   • The maned wolf is omnivorous, meaning its diet consists of both animal and plant matter. Its diet is highly diverse and includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, but it also eats a variety of fruits and vegetation, with fruits making up a significant part of its diet. One of its favorite food items is the wild potato.
   • One of the most notable aspects of its diet is its reliance on fruits, especially the guava, which is abundant in its habitat. The maned wolf is one of the few canids that regularly consumes such a large proportion of plant matter.

4. Behavior:

   • The maned wolf is solitary and territorial. Unlike other wolf species, it does not form packs. It prefers to hunt and live alone, with individuals maintaining large territories that they mark with scent markings.
   • It is most active during twilight and nighttime (crepuscular and nocturnal), often seen hunting in the early evening or at night when it is cooler.
   • Its long legs help it navigate through tall grass and brush, allowing it to scan the terrain for prey. The maned wolf is an excellent runner and can travel great distances in search of food.

5. Reproduction:

   • Maned wolves typically breed during the dry season (usually between April and June), and after a gestation period of 60-65 days, the female gives birth to 1 to 3 pups.
   • The pups are born blind and helpless but grow quickly, with their eyes opening within a few weeks. The mother cares for the pups in a den, usually located in tall grass or under shrubs, until they are old enough to leave the den and begin exploring.
   • Maned wolves often form temporary monogamous pairs during the breeding season, with both parents taking part in raising the young.

6. Communication:

   • Maned wolves use a variety of vocalizations to communicate, including barks, growls, and a distinctive high-pitched scream, often described as "roaring" or "howling", which can be heard over long distances. This scream is believed to help mark territory and communicate with other maned wolves.
   • Their large, expressive ears also help with non-vocal communication, enabling them to hear potential threats and prey from afar.

7. Conservation Status:

   • The maned wolf is currently listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The primary threats to its survival are deforestation, agriculture, and human encroachment, which lead to the destruction of the vast grasslands and savannas the wolf depends on.
   • In addition, road mortality is a significant threat, as maned wolves often roam across human settlements and highways.
   • While the maned wolf is still found in protected areas in parts of South America, the loss of suitable habitat continues to threaten its long-term survival.

8. Unique Adaptations:

   • Long Legs: The long, slender legs of the maned wolf are adapted to navigating tall grasses and open landscapes, allowing the animal to see over the grass and spot potential prey.
   • Dietary Flexibility: As an omnivore, the maned wolf is highly adaptable in terms of food sources. It can thrive on a mixed diet of plant material and animal prey, which helps it survive in environments where food availability might be unpredictable.

Fun Facts About the Maned Wolf:

• The maned wolf is often called the "fox on stilts" because of its tall, slender legs and fox-like face.
• It has a unique odor that has been compared to the scent of marijuana, often described as smelling like wild cannabis.
• Despite its name, the maned wolf is not closely related to wolves; it belongs to a separate genus and is part of a group of canids known as "dog-like carnivores", which also includes foxes and jackals.

Conservation and Efforts:

To help protect the maned wolf, conservationists are focusing on preserving habitats and reducing human-wildlife conflict. Some efforts include:

• Establishing protected areas in regions where maned wolves are known to live.
• Promoting sustainable agricultural practices that minimize habitat destruction.
• Public education about the importance of protecting this unique species and its environment.

25.02.25 Copyright   Dirk  Rauschenbach Koelnerstrasse 293 51702 Bergneustadt  Datenschutzerklaerung   02261 9788972  Mail ccooly( at) web.de