The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is a canid species known for its long, slender legs, reddish-gold fur, and an erectile black mane. Often described as a fox on stilts, it is not a true wolf or fox, but the only species in its genus. This solitary creature primarily inhabits South America.
Geographical Distribution
The maned wolf’s native range spans central and eastern South America. It is found across much of Brazil, extending into Paraguay, Bolivia, and northern Argentina. The species also occurs in parts of southeastern Peru, with its presence in Uruguay now considered extremely rare, potentially due to habitat loss.
The species’ range is concentrated in the interior regions, avoiding the dense Amazon rainforest to the north and the arid Caatinga in northeastern Brazil. It prefers open landscapes over dense forest environments. This distribution reflects the maned wolf’s adaptation to specific ecological conditions.
Distinctive Habitat Features
Maned wolves inhabit open and semi-open environments, including grasslands, savannas, and shrublands. The Brazilian Cerrado, a tropical savanna, is a key biome for this species, though they are also found in areas like the Pantanal and at forest edges. Their long legs allow them to see over and navigate through the tall grasses characteristic of these habitats.
These habitats experience seasonal rainfall, with wet and dry periods influencing vegetation and prey. Maned wolves are omnivores; their diet includes small mammals like rodents, birds, insects, and much plant matter. They seek out fruits, such as the “wolf apple,” a key part of their year-round diet. They use open fields for foraging and denser cover, like riparian forests, for resting, especially during warmer parts of the day.
Conservation and Habitat Protection
The maned wolf is classified as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The main threat to its populations stems from habitat loss and fragmentation. Agricultural expansion, particularly for soybean and sugarcane cultivation and cattle ranching, is a key cause of habitat destruction, converting natural grasslands and savannas into farmlands.
Urbanization and road networks contribute to habitat degradation and increased mortality from vehicle collisions. Domestic dogs threaten them by transmitting diseases and through direct attacks. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining habitat through protected areas, such as Emas National Park in Brazil. These initiatives aim to preserve the landscapes necessary for the maned wolf’s survival and mitigate the impacts of human activities.