Mammals
Maned wolf
Chrysocyon brachyurus
The maned wolf is South America's largest canid: very long legs, a golden-red coat and a dark mane on the neck. Despite its looks, it is related to neither wolves nor foxes.
In short
The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is a species with IUCN conservation status NT (Near threatened). It lives in the grasslands and wooded savannas of the Cerrado, where its long legs let it see over tall grass. Animals in Black offers a fine-art portrait of it on a black background, available as a print on Hahnemühle paper: request the print.
Habitat & conservation
Where does the maned wolf live?
It lives in the grasslands and wooded savannas of the Cerrado, where its long legs let it see over tall grass. Solitary and omnivorous, half its diet is plant matter, especially the fruit known as "lobeira".
Is the maned wolf endangered?
The IUCN Red List rates it Near Threatened (NT). The main threats are the conversion of the Cerrado to cropland and pasture, road traffic and diseases spread by domestic dogs.
Facts about the maned wolf
- It is the largest canid in South America.
- About half of its diet is fruit and plants.
- Its urine has a strong odour, similar to cannabis or skunk.
Data source: IUCN Red List — Chrysocyon brachyurus (Near Threatened)
RED List
Conservation status codes
- EX Extinct No individuals survive.
- EW Extinct in the wild Survives only in captivity.
- CR Critically endangered Extremely high risk of extinction.
- EN Endangered Very high risk of extinction.
- VU Vulnerable High risk of extinction.
- NT Near threatened Likely to become threatened soon.
- LC Least concern Low risk of extinction.
- DD Data deficient Not enough data to assess.
- NE Not evaluated Not yet assessed by the IUCN.