Habitat
In forests and forest-edge marshland.
Geographical spread
Panama to Guiana and throughout Brazil.
Current population
Definitely not known.
Size
Head and body length 66cm, shoulder height 26cm, tail length 13cm.
Weight
5-7kg.
Average life expectancy
Not known.
Normal diet
Bush dogs are carnivorous. Often eat prey that is larger than themselves such
as capybaras and rheas. Packs will pursue amphibious prey into the water, dogs can swim and
dive efficiently.
Normal lifestyle
Active both day and night but are very elusive and thus little is known about
their lifestyle. Hunt in packs of up to 10 animals. Males in captivity feed their nursing mates and
litter mates seem to squabble very little over food. Adults keep in contact with frequent whines
which may be an adaptation for maintaining group cohesion whilst foraging in forest
undergrowth where visibility is poor. Scent marking is carried by both male and female bush
dogs- males cocking a leg, whilst females reverse up to trees and urinate on the trunk from a
handstand position.
Previous geographical spread
Probably not known because they are so rarely seen.
Reasons for decline
Probably habitat destruction and encroachment of humans.
Current threats
As above.
Conservation projects
I don't think so- certainly noone is specifically studying them.
File last modified Thursday, October 3, 1996