Short-eared dog

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Short-eared dog [1]
Atelocynus microtis en Amazonie peruvienne.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Subfamily: Caninae
Tribe: Canini
Genus: Atelocynus
Cabrera, 1940
Species:
A. microtis
Binomial name
Atelocynus microtis
(Sclater, 1883)
Subspecies
Distribucion Atelocynus microtis.png
Short-eared dog range

The short-eared dog (Atelocynus microtis), also known as the short-eared zorro or small-eared dog, [2] [3] is a unique and elusive canid species endemic to the Amazonian basin. [1] [2] This is the only species assigned to the genus Atelocynus. [1]

Contents

Other names

The short-eared dog has many names in the local languages where it is endemic, including cachorro-do-mato-de-orelha-curta in Portuguese, zorro de oreja corta ("short-ear fox") in Spanish, nomensarixi in Chiquitano, uálaca in Yucuna, cuachi yaguar in Guarayu, quinamco in Mooré, and achuj in Ninam and Mosetén. [4]

Other common names in Spanish include zorro ojizarco ("blue-eyed fox"), zorro sabanero ("savannah fox"), and zorro negro ("black fox").

Evolution and systematics

In the Amazon rainforest Atelocynus microtis en amazonie peruvienne.jpg
In the Amazon rainforest

After the formation of the Isthmus of Panama in the latter part the Tertiary (about 2.5 million years ago in the Pliocene), canids migrated from North America to the southern continent as part of the Great American Interchange. The short-eared dog's ancestors adapted to life in tropical rainforests, developing the requisite morphological and anatomical features. Although it has a superficial resemblance to the bush dog, the short-eared dog's closest living relative is the crab-eating fox [5] . It is one of the most unusual canids. [4]

Two subspecies of this canid are recognized, [1] A. m. microtis and A. m. sclateri.

Occurrence and environment

Manu National Park, Madre de Dios, Peru Manu riverbank.jpg
Manú National Park, Madre de Dios, Peru

The short-eared dog can be found in the Amazon rainforest region of South America (in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and possibly Venezuela). [1] There is a single report of "three slender, doglike animals" of this species sighted in the Darien region of Panama in 1984 by German biologist Sigi Weisel and a native Embera-nation Panamanian; this rare species' presence in Panama is possible because of "the continuous mass of forest habitat that covers this region". [3] It lives in various parts of the rainforest environment, preferring areas with little human disturbance. It lives in both lowland forests known as Floresta Amazônica and terra firme forest, as well as in swamp forest, stands of bamboo, and cloud forest. [6] It is a solitary animal and prefers to remain under tree-cover, avoiding both human and other animal interaction. [7]

Appearance

Short-eared dog fur skin (Atelocynus microtis), fur skin collection, Bundes-Pelzfachschule, Frankfurt/Main, Germany Atelocynus mecrotis (Small eared fox) fur skin.jpg
Short-eared dog fur skin (Atelocynus microtis), fur skin collection, Bundes-Pelzfachschule, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
Short-eared dog skull Shortdogskull.jpg
Short-eared dog skull

The short-eared dog has short and slender limbs with short and rounded ears. It has a distinctive fox-like muzzle and bushy tail. Its paws are partly webbed, helping adapt it to its partly aquatic habitat. [8]

Its fur ranges from dark to reddish-grey, but can also be nearly navy blue, coffee brown, dark grey, or chestnut-grey to black, and the coat is short, with thick and bristly fur. [4] It has a somewhat narrow chest, with dark color variation on the thorax merging to brighter, more reddish tones on the abdominal side of the body.

Diet

This wild dog is mainly a carnivore, with fish, insects, and small mammals making up the majority of its diet. An investigation led in the Cocha Cashu Biological Station in Peru into the proportions of different kinds of food in this animal's diet produced the following results:

fish 28% birds 10%
insects 17% crabs 10%
small mammals 13% frogs 4%
various fruits 10% reptiles 3%

Reproduction and behavior

This species has some unique behaviors not typical to other canids. Females of this species are about one-third larger than males. The excited male sprays a musk produced by the tail glands. It prefers a solitary lifestyle, in forest areas. It avoids humans in its natural environment. Agitated males raise the hairs on their backs. [9]

The lifespan and gestation period of the short-eared dog are unknown, although sexual maturity is reached at three years of age, relatively late compared to other canid species. [10]

Threats, survival, and ecological concerns

Feral dogs pose a prominent threat to the population of short-eared dogs, as they facilitate the spread of diseases such as canine distemper and rabies to the wild population. The short eared dog suffers greatly from loss of habitat. There is a significant amount of disturbance in formerly remote South American forests, and almost no habitat except where daily human settler and prospector traffic destroys or exposes their dens. Humans also contribute to their extermination by degradation of the species' natural habitat and the general destruction of tropical rainforests.

Status of conservation

The short-eared dog is currently considered near threatened by the IUCN. [2] No comprehensive ecological and genetic research has been carried out on the species.


Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canidae</span> Family of mammals

Canidae is a biological family of dog-like carnivorans, colloquially referred to as dogs, and constitutes a clade. A member of this family is also called a canid. The family includes three subfamilies: the Caninae, and the extinct Borophaginae and Hesperocyoninae. The Caninae are known as canines, and include domestic dogs, wolves, coyotes, foxes, jackals and other species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fox</span> Genera of mammal

Foxes are small-to-medium-sized omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They have a flattened skull; upright, triangular ears; a pointed, slightly upturned snout; and a long, bushy tail ("brush").

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Culpeo</span> Species of carnivore

The culpeo, also known as Culpeo zorro, Andean zorro, Andean fox, Paramo wolf, Andean wolf, and colpeo fox, is a species of South American fox. Despite the name, it is not a true fox, but more closely related to wolves and jackals. Its appearance resembles that of foxes due to convergent evolution.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maned wolf</span> Species of carnivore

The maned wolf is a large canine of South America. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Paraguay, and is almost extinct in Uruguay. Its markings resemble those of foxes, but it is neither a fox nor a wolf. It is the only species in the genus Chrysocyon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bat-eared fox</span> Species of carnivorans

The bat-eared fox is a species of fox found on the African savanna. It is the only extant species of the genus Otocyon and considered a basal canid species. Fossil records indicate this canid first appeared during the middle Pleistocene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bush dog</span> Species of carnivore

The bush dog is a canine found in Central and South America. In spite of its extensive range, it is very rare in most areas except in Suriname, Guyana and Peru; it was first described by Peter Wilhelm Lund from fossils in Brazilian caves and was believed to be extinct.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bengal fox</span> Species of carnivore

The Bengal fox, also known as the Indian fox, is a fox endemic to the Indian subcontinent from the Himalayan foothills and Terai of Nepal through southern India, and from southern and eastern Pakistan to eastern India and southeastern Bangladesh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South American fox</span> Genus of carnivores

The South American foxes (Lycalopex), commonly called raposa in Portuguese, or zorro in Spanish, are a genus from South America of the subfamily Caninae. Despite their name, they are not true foxes, but are a unique canid genus more closely related to wolves and jackals than to true foxes; some of them resemble foxes due to convergent evolution. The South American gray fox, Lycalopex griseus, is the most common species, and is known for its large ears and a highly marketable, russet-fringed pelt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gray fox</span> Species of canid

The gray fox, or grey fox, is an omnivorous mammal of the family Canidae, widespread throughout North America and Central America. This species and its only congener, the diminutive island fox of the California Channel Islands, are the only living members of the genus Urocyon, which is considered to be genetically sister to all other living canids. Its species name cinereoargenteus means "ashen silver".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ethiopian wolf</span> Canine native to Ethiopian Highlands

The Ethiopian wolf, also called the red jackal, the Simien jackal or Simien fox, is a canine native to the Ethiopian Highlands. In southeastern Ethiopia, it is also known as the horse jackal. It is similar to the coyote in size and build, and is distinguished by its long and narrow skull, and its red and white fur. Unlike most large canids, which are widespread, generalist feeders, the Ethiopian wolf is a highly specialised feeder of Afroalpine rodents with very specific habitat requirements. It is one of the world's rarest canids, and Africa's most endangered carnivore.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Giant armadillo</span> Species of mammals belonging to the armadillo order of xenarthrans

The giant armadillo, colloquially tatu-canastra, tatou, ocarro or tatú carreta, is the largest living species of armadillo. It lives in South America, ranging throughout as far south as northern Argentina. This species is considered vulnerable to extinction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crab-eating fox</span> Species of carnivore

The crab-eating fox, also known as the forest fox, wood fox, bushdog or maikong, is an extant species of medium-sized canid endemic to the central part of South America since at least the Pleistocene epoch. Like South American foxes, which are in the genus Lycalopex, it is not closely related to true foxes. Cerdocyon comes from the Greek words kerdo and kyon (dog) referring to the dog- and fox-like characteristics of this animal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darwin's fox</span> Species of canid

Darwin's fox or Darwin's zorro is an endangered canid from the genus Lycalopex. It is also known as the zorro chilote or zorro de Darwin in Spanish and lives in Nahuelbuta National Park, the Cordillera de Oncol, Cordillera Pelada in mainland Chile and Chiloé Island. This small, dark canine weighs 1.8 to 3.95 kg, has a head-and-body length of 48 to 59 cm and a tail that is 17.5 to 25.5 cm. Darwin's fox displays no key differences between male and female other than the fact that the male has a broader muzzle. Males display no territorial behavior and are not aggressive towards other males roaming around their territory.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pampas fox</span> Species of carnivore

The Pampas fox, also known as grey pampean fox, Pampas zorro, Azara's fox, or Azara's zorro, is a medium-sized zorro, or "false" fox, native to the South American Pampas. Azara in some of its alternative common names is a reference to Spanish naturalist Félix de Azara.

Canid hybrids are the result of interbreeding between the species of the subfamily Caninae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South American gray fox</span> Species of carnivore

The South American gray fox, also known as the Patagonian fox, the chilla or zorro gris, is a South American species of Lycalopex in the Canidae family, which includes dogs, wolves, jackals, coyotes and foxes, among other canids. It is endemic to the southern parts of Argentina and Chile, primarily Patagonia and Tierra Del Fuego.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pale fox</span> Species of carnivore

The pale fox is a species of fox found in the band of African Sahel from Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east. It is one of the least studied of all canid species, in part due to its remote habitat and its sandy coat that blends in well with the desert-like terrain. The pale fox is distinguished by its light-colored fur and oversized ears, which enable it to excel in camouflage and survival in harsh environments.

Cocha Cashu Biological Station is a tropical biological research station located at 11° 54'S and 71° 22'W in Manú National Park, Peru. It was established in 1969-70, predating the founding of its containing national park. Though only 10 km2 in area, the site has provided valuable research. The station is situated on the shore of an oxbow lake, from which it takes its name. "Qucha" is the Quechua word for lake. "Cashu" is derived from the English word "cashew" and refers to the shape of the lake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">African wild dog</span> Endangered species of canine native to Africa

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Wozencraft, W. C. (2005). "Order Carnivora". In Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 532–628. ISBN   978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC   62265494.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Leite-Pitman, M.R.P.; Williams, R.S.R. (2011). "Atelocynus microtis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2011: e.T6924A12814890. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T6924A12814890.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  3. 1 2 Rosa, Carlos L. de la; Nocke, Claudia C. (2010-06-28). A Guide to the Carnivores of Central America: Natural History, Ecology, and Conservation. University of Texas Press. ISBN   978-0-292-78951-7.
  4. 1 2 3 Renata Leite Pitman; Robert S.R. Williams (2004). "The short eared dog (Atelocynus microtis) (Sclater, 1883)". In Claudio Sillero-Zubiri; Michael Hoffmann; David W. Macdonald (eds.). Canids: Foxes, Wolves, Jackals and Dogs: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan (2004 ed.). IUCN, World Conservation Union. pp. 26–31. ISBN   9782831707860.
  5. Chavez, D.E.; Gronau, I.; Hains, T.; Dikow, R.B.; Frandsen, P.B.; Figueiró, H.V.; Garcez, F.S.; Tchaicka, L.; de Paula, R.C.; Rodrigues, F.H.G.; Jorge, R.S.P.; Lima, E.S.; Songsasen, N.; Johnson, W.E.; Eizirik, E.; Koepfli, K.P.; Wayne, R.K. (2022). "Comparative genomics uncovers the evolutionary history, demography, and molecular adaptations of South American canids". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 119 (34): e2205986119. doi:10.1073/pnas.2205986119.{{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  6. "Atelocynus microtis (Short-eared Dog, Short-eared Fox, Small-eared Dog, Small-eared Zorro)". redlist.org. Retrieved 2015-10-05.
  7. Giaimo, Cara (4 May 2020). "The ghost dogs of the Amazon get a bit less mysterious". The New York Times . ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 13 May 2020.
  8. "Atelocynus microtis: Information". ADW: Animal Diversity (animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu). University of Michigan. Retrieved 2015-10-05.
  9. "Ecology and conservation of the short-eared dog (Atelocynus microtis)". Peru: Estación Biológica Cocha Cashu [Cocha Cashu Biological Station]. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 10 July 2024 via Duke University (duke.edu).
  10. "Short-eared dog? Uncovering the secrets of one of the Amazon's most mysterious mammals". Mongabay Environmental News. 28 July 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2020.

Further reading