Maned wolf Top Panel
Maned wolf Top Panel
Maned wolf Top Panel
  
        

Maned Wolf Magnificient mane
The wolf belongs to the canine family and is regarded as an ancestor of the domestic dog.

The maned wolf of South America is a magnificent animal with a pointed muzzle and very large erect ears. It derives its name from the characteristic mane on its neck which stands erect when it scents danger. Its body is covered with long, reddish-brown hair. Almost the entire animal is black, including the mouth, the back and the tail. The tip of the tail, chin and throat are sometimes white.

The long, almost black legs are adapted to see above the long grass while running through it. Because its hind legs are slightly longer than its forelegs, it is agile while going uphill but clumsy when descending.

Home range
Flesh eating mammals (Carnivores)
Class Mammalia (mammal)
Order Carnivora (Flesh eating mammals)
Family Canidae (The dog family)
The maned wolf lives in the grasslands extending from southern Brazil to Argentina. The extremes of temperature and frequent drought here make availability of prey very unreliable. The maned wolf prefers to live in small patches of forest interspersed with open country. In captivity, the maned wolf is known to live for about 10 years.

Wolf Prey Food Habits
The maned wolf eats small mammals such as cuis (wild guinea pigs), rabbits and young viscachas (burrowing rodents) as well as pacas and agoutis, both fast-running rodents. Insects, reptiles and birds are a regular part of its diet but it also eats fruits, sugarcane and other plants.

Maned wolves do not hunt in packs like other wolves do. With their long legs, they are well adapted to plain land and hunting alone.


Shy Animals
Contrary to popular stories of wolves being the most cunning and fearless of predators, maned wolves are actually shy and nocturnal animals. They prefer to stay alone and come together only during the mating season. It is wary of man and does not attack unless provoked.
            
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