Andean Wolf

The Andean Wolf (Dasycyon hagenbecki) is a large species of omnivorous canine native to the Andes Mountains. It is closely related to the Maned Wolf which it closely resembles although the Andean wolf has thicker, darker fur, and smaller ears.

Ecology and Behavior

The Andean Wolf is a twilight animal, but its activity pattern is more related to the relative humidity and temperature, similar to that observed with the Maned Wolf. Peak activity occurs between 8 and 10 am, and 8 and 10 pm. On cold or cloudy days, they can be active all day.

Unlike most large canids, the Andean wolf is a solitary animal and does not form packs. They typically hunt alone or in pairs, usually between sundown and midnight. It taps the ground with a front foot to flush out the prey and pounce to catch it. It kills prey by biting on the neck or back, and shaking the prey violently if necessary.

Monogamous pairs may defend a shared territory around 30 km2 (12 sq mi), although outside of mating, the individuals may meet only rarely. The territory is crisscrossed by paths that they create as they patrol at night. Several adults may congregate in the presence of a plentiful food source, for example, a fire-cleared patch of grassland that would leave small vertebrate prey exposed while foraging.

Both female and male Andean wolves use their urine to communicate, e.g. to mark their hunting paths or the places where they have buried hunted prey. The urine has a very distinctive odor, which some people liken to hops or cannabis. The responsible substance is a pyrazine,

The Andean wolf is omnivorous. It specialises in preying on small and medium-sized animals, including small mammals, birds and their eggs, reptiles, and even fish, gastropods, other terrestrial molluscs, and insects, and occasionally Andean Wolves can be seen chasing Pampas Deer or Guanacos, but a decen portion of its diet is vegetable matter (15-25%), including sugarcane, tubers, bulbs, roots and fruit.

The Andean wolf hunts by chasing its prey, digging holes, and jumping to catch birds in flight. About 21% of hunts are successful.

They were also observed feeding on carcasses of run down animals. Fecal analysis has shown consumption of the Doedicurus, Ground Sloths, Puma, giant anteater, and collared peccary, but whether these animals are actively hunted or scavenged is not known. Armadillos are also commonly consumed.

Conservation

The Andean Wolf is a Critically Endangered species, mostly by being persecuted by farmers out of fear they would steal their livestock. Though hunting and poaching of Andean Wolves does occur, as parts of the animal's body are believed to help cure bronchitis, kidney disease, and even snake bites. It is also believed to bring good luck. These parts can be teeth, the heart, ears, and even dry stools.

The Andean Wolf is currently exhibited at the Green City Zoo, where conservationists have been working to breed pure Andean Wolves and protect their native habitats.