![]() ![]() ![]() Gestation is approximately 65 days, after which litters of 2-5 pups are born into a nest hidden in thick vegetation (Bueler 1973). The copulation includes a typical canine "tie". The induction of estrus appears to be triggered by photoperiod, and occurs between August and October in South America (Dietz 1985). They do not pursue much large prey, and as a result they exhibit reduced carnassials, weak upper incisors and long, slender canines (Dietz 1985).įemale maned wolves are monestrous. Their tracks are distinctive, as the pads of the third and fourth toes are merged on both the front and hind feet (Bueler 1973).Īdult maned wolves have 42 teeth, which is typical of canids (Kleiman 1972). Their hind legs are significantly longer than their front legs, which gives them an awkward, pacing gait (Dietz 1985). The wolves have extremely long, thin legs, which are thought to assist them in seeking out prey in the tall grasses of their habitat. Their large ears stand erect and are used for visual signaling to conspecifics (Bueler 1973). They have extremely long vibrissae (Dietz 1985). The maned wolf has a small, fox-like head with a long, slender muzzle. The posterior half of the shaggy tail is white, as are the insides of the ears and the underside of the chin (Dietz 1985). Their chestnut coloration blends to black on the muzzle, legs and feet (Bueler 1973). They have a long neck with a distinctive dorsal erect mane and this feature is where they get their name. Maned wolves are a rich reddish brown in color. Total body length averages approximately 147 cm, where 45 cm is tail (Dietz 1985). The average adult weight is 23 kg and a typical animal is 90 cm tall at the shoulder. The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is the fourth-largest member of Canidae, and the largest of the South American canids (Bestelmeyer and Westbrook 1998). Photos by Christopher Yahnke, collection of the Field Museum of Natural History Dentary (lateral view) Dentary (dorsal view)
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