Pagina's

donderdag 2 februari 2012

Wild Canids that you probably never heard about

Bush dog,

This short and sturdy canid lives in south and central america, it can grow up to 70cm in length and 30cm in height. They are one of the most social canids in south america, living in groups of 3 - 10.
They prey on small rodents, birds and lizards. It is thought that these animals are monogamous, as the male tends to the female when giving birth.



The Maned wolf,

The largest south american Canid, resembling a fox with reddish fur. Their long legs allow them to walk above the tall grass in the pampas where they can observe prey. All sorts of Rodents, birds and lizards fall prey to this tall wolf. Maybe the strangest fact about this species is the way he digs holes, unlike other canids he prefers to use his teeth over his claws.




The Dhole,

An Asian species that has some special traits, for instance unlike other species dholes let the pups eat first at a kill (similiar to wild african dogs). These very social species live in large packs and are not fearful of taking large preys like boars and even tigers!




The Bat-eared Fox,

This African Species with large ears can be found hunting on insects near zebras and antelopes. How do antelopes and zebras attract insects? easy they land on the excrement. Also hunts in termite hills and small lizards, birds and rodents, Occasionally it will eat fruit. Fossil records state that these animals have lived here for over 800 000 years!



The Raccoon dog

While looking like a Raccoon they share no close relations with these animals. It has a habit for regularly climbing trees which is not a common Canid thing. They eat anything, rodents, insects, molluscs, carrion, oats, fruit, .. you name it, it all depends on the seasons. They tend to store their food high up in trees.