Chrysocyon polachesi
| Sierran Maned Wolf | |
|---|---|
| File:Cusc wolf01.jpg | |
| Adult Sierran Maned Wolf | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia
|
| Phylum: | Chordata
|
| Class: | Mamilia
|
| Order: | Carnivora
|
| Family: | Canidae
|
| Genus: | Chrysocyon
|
| Species: | C. polachesi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Chrysocyon polachesi Vega, 1845
| |
| File:Inyur wolf range.jpg | |
| Range of C. polachesi in Inyursta | |
The Sierran Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon polachesi) is a species of canid found in the Sierra Polaches mountains in Gran Cuscatlan and Inyursta. It is an endangered species due to over-hunting as well as diseases and parasites brought by domesticated dogs.
Physical Description
C. polachesi is slightly smaller in height than other extant species of the genus Chrysocyon. Like all maned wolves, this species is easily distinguished from other canids by its long, skinny legs and tall posture.
In terms of color, the Sierran Maned Wolf is generally dark grey or brown to almost pure black in color. Unlike similar species, C. polachesi pups do not become significantly lighter as they mature, in fact some actually develop darker fur to help adjust for colder highland climates. This makes them easy to tell apart from their lighter Brazilian or Majueran cousins.
Hunting
Sierran Maned Wolves are solitary hunters, and enjoy large tracts of territory including meadowlands, cloud forests, páramos and often times rural farmlands. They most often hunt and forage for food at night, or during the peak early morning hours.
Their diet consists of a combination of birds, eggs, small mammals and vegetable materials; including cultivated crops such as potatoes, fruits and tomatoes. They are outstanding runners, and can chase down fast prey such as rabbits even on wet and rocky slopes.
This species has very few natural predators, however pumas can and will take wolf pups if given the opportunity. Humans are the biggest threat to Sierran Maned Wolves, killing adult wolves both for sport and because this species will dig up and destroy planted crops.
Conservation
Sierran Maned Wolves are listed as an endangered species, and both the Inyurstan and Cuscatlani governments have enacted laws against the intentional killing of this species. Recent efforts in Inyursta have focused on teaching farmers and other land-dependent rural people effective ways of fencing in their gardens and plots rather than killing this animal.
Several captive breeding programs are in place in zoos and conservation centers across Inyursta and Cuscatlan, aimed at sucessfully breeding and reintroducing new generations of this species back into the wild. Some conservation centers in Majuera and the Organized States have also participated in these programs.
Diseases and parasites transmitted from domestic or feral dogs remain a major threat to this species. Conservationists and biologists hope that over time and with the help of introducing minor exposure to captive bred animals, wild Sierran Maned Wolves will eventually develop some level of resistance to these health issues.