Maned Wolf
Chrysocyon brachyurus
Classification
The maned wolf is not actually a member of the wolf family, it is most closely related to the wild dogs.
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Chrysocyon
Species: brachyurus
Distribution
The range of the maned wolf extends from central Brazil into the northern parts of Paraguay, Argentina,
Bolivia and Uruguay and into southeastern Peru.
Habitat
Maned wolves inhabit grasslands, savannah, swampy areas and dry shrub forests. They prefer to live in
small patches of forest interspersed with open country.
Physical Description
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Maned wolves have a head-body length of about 41 inches (105 cm) with an 18 inch tail (45 cm).
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They weigh about 50 pounds (23 kg); males and females are the same size.
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They stand 29-36 inches (74-91 cm) at the shoulder.
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A reddish coat with black on the muzzle and feet, and white on the throat, tail and in their ears.
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They have long hairs on the shoulders and neck, which stand erect when they sense danger.
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They have long slender legs and large erect ears.
Diet
What Does It Eat?
In the wild: Insects, small mammals, birds, snails, lizards, fish, eggs, frogs, palm nuts as well as
grasses and most fruits and vegetables. Unlike other canids over half of their diet is fruit.
At the zoo: Maned wolf chow, chopped fruit, cooked vegetables and chicks or quails.
What Eats It?
The maned wolf is a top predator in its habitat with no known predator, however the young may be
threatened by feral or domestic dogs.
Social Organization
Monogamous pairs are the basic unit of the maned wolves’ social organization. The pair share and defend a
territory but may not spend much time together. After pups are born, the female is the primary caregiver
and may display aggression toward the male. In the wild, the extent of the male’s participation with pups is
not known although in captivity males have been observed regurgitating food for the pups. Unlike other
large canids, they specialize in hunting small prey and do not hunt cooperatively.
Life Cycle
Maned wolves are mature at about one year of age but usually do not breed until they are about two years
old. After a gestation of about two months, the female gives birth to one to five pups in a den made in tall
grass or thickets. The pups are brownish-gray or black, weigh about 18 ounces (500 gm) and are blind and
helpless at birth. They develop the adult coloring and characteristic long legs by the time they are several
months old. Females provide milk and later regurgitated food for the growing pups. They are weaned at
about 15 weeks. Males may also assist with the care of the young and will regurgitate food for the pups. Life
span in the wild is not known for these secretive and nocturnal animals but they can live 12-15 years in
captivity.
Adaptations
A Fox on Stilts?
Maned wolves resemble a red fox on stilts. Despite their reddish coloring and general appearance
they are not related to foxes and despite their name, they are not members of the wolf family. The
maned wolf is a wild dog of South America. Their long legs enable maned wolves to see above the
tall grass – an adaptation that helps them hunt for food and avoid predators.
Mane Defenses
Wolves can raise the long darker fur on their shoulders and neck when they sense danger. The erect
mane gives the impression of greater size to intimidate any predator.
Let Me Hear You Bark!
Maned wolves have three main vocalizations – a deep throated single “bark” which is a long range
communication sound used after dusk, a growl which is a short distance aggressive vocalization,
and a high pitched whine. Because they live in habitats with tall vegetation and hunt mostly at
night, it is difficult for them to see other maned wolves. Their vocalizations plus scent marking with
urine and feces helps establish and maintain their territory.
Stinky Signals
The maned wolf’s urine has a strong distinctive smell similar to skunk spray. Like many animals, the
maned wolf uses urine to mark the boundaries of its territory. Zoo visitors often smell the strong
odor before they can see the maned wolf.
Conservation Connection
IUCN Status: Near Threatened.
The maned wolf is listed as endangered due to habitat loss for agriculture and ranching. Their survival is
also threatened by the destruction of the native fruit trees that are one of their main food sources. Poultry
farmers kill the wolves because they sometimes prey on chickens. Humans hunt maned wolves for food and
for their body parts which are believed to have magical powers.
Fun Facts
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The maned wolf is the largest wild dog of South America.
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In Brazil, the night cry of the maned wolf is believed to portend changes in the weather.
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The maned wolf does not use its claws for digging, but instead uses its teeth.
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The maned wolf loves to eat bananas, guavas and sugar cane!