Maned Wolf Illustration © Bruce Pearson

Maned Wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus

The Maned Wolf, with its characteristic mane of black fur running from the nape of the neck down the back, is the largest of the South American wild dogs. The fur is shaggy and golden-red in colour; it has a long , pointed muzzle and large, erect ears. Although it is predominantly the colour of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) it is clearly recognisable as a wolf with extraordinary long legs. Contrary to popular belief wolves aren't generally fearless predators, but are rather shy, usually nocturnal animals. They are wary of man and do not attack unless provoked.

Although their range in known to extend from NE Brazil, south through Paraguay and west into Peru, it is not known how many Maned Wolves survive in the wild. Major threats include loss of habitat due to agriculture encroachment and road deaths of cubs. Hunting by local people for 'talismans' associated with their mystical qualities and in the belief that parts of their body hold medicinal remedies has been significant in the past.

The Maned Wolf is classified as Near Threatened by IUCN (See IUCN Red List of Threatened Species for more information on the classification of the Maned Wolf).

Help Protect the Maned Wolf and Other Wildlife in Brazil

The World Land Trust's project in the Atlantic Rainforest In Brazil protects the habitat of Maned Wolves, and other threatened wildlife. Please help protect this area by supporting Brazilian Rainforest Project.

More Information about Maned Wolves and Their Habitat

• Read more about WLT's work in Brazil
• Read more about WLT's work in Paraguay
• Find more information on the Maned Wolf on ARKive: Images of life on Earth