The maned wolf is not a wolf, fox, coyote or dog. In fact, it is not closely related to any other canid on the planet, but it is the only canid of its kind on the planet. They are the only species in the genus Chrysocyon (“golden dog”), with other species in the genus being long extinct.
The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is the tallest of the wild canids. Their long legs are likely an adaptation to the tall grasslands of its native habitat, which is in south, central-west and southeastern Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina.
Unlike other canids, the maned wolf’s diet is primarily omnivorous. More than 50% of their diet is vegetable matter including sugarcane, tubers and wolf apples. Their vegetable diet makes them part of the symbiotic relationship with disseminating and propagating plants. Another unusual fact is that their pee smells like marijuana!
Find out more about this fascinating canid in the video below!
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