The scientific community drew attention to an unusual animal known as the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), notable for its majestic stance, brown fur, long legs, large ears and bushy tail. At first glance it resembles a fox, but its name may be misleading, it is associated with wolves. However, this unique creature is not a close relative of either foxes or wolves. The question is, what exactly is the maned wolf?

It turned out that maned wolves are the largest representative of canids in South America and rank fourth in the world in terms of size among canids. They are the only representatives of the genus Chrysocyon, making them a unique group among canids. Their distinctive black legs, bright red fur and large ears made them unique in the animal kingdom. The name “maned wolf” comes from the characteristic black fur stripe that runs along the neck and back of these animals, and its scientific name Chrysocyon translates as “golden dog”.

These unique creatures live in the central part of South America, covering the region from Brazil to Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. According to IUCN estimates, the total population is approximately 17,000 people. Maned wolves have adapted to a variety of ecosystems, including savannas and grasslands, but they have faced threats from habitat loss, poaching and traffic incidents.

When it comes to their diet, maned wolves have proven to be quite omnivorous. They feed on fruits, vegetables, small mammals and sometimes insects. “Golden dogs” love to feast on animals such as kooi and birds, which resemble wild guinea pigs. A separate food in their diet is lobeira, known as “wolf fruit”, which resembles a tomato and is one of the favorite delicacies of these animals.

Maned wolves differ from their distant wolf relatives when it comes to communication. Instead of a traditional howl, they emit a loud, roaring bark that serves as a way to alert other individuals to their presence in a particular area. This allows them to avoid unwanted meetings and maintain distance between themselves. Despite their tendency to be solitary, maned wolves may gather together during the breeding season, which usually lasts about a month.

This incredible creature, which combines the characteristics of many animals and has unique adaptations to its environment, continues to be one of the most mysterious and impressive animals of South America. Their ability to adapt to diverse ecosystems and their unique lifestyle continue to attract the attention of scientists and conservationists from around the world, highlighting the importance of protecting these extraordinary members of the wild. Source