Maned Wolf

A one-of-a-kind animal threatened by habitat loss

You won’t be surprised to know that the Maned wolf gets its name from the mane on its neck, which sticks up when it is scared. However, its name is a bit misleading: it’s not actually a wolf! It’s not a fox either, although it looks a bit like one. It’s actually a completely different species, and it’s the only one in its genus ‘Chrysocyon’. The Maned wolf is literally one-of-a-kind, that’s why it’s so important to look after it.

Maned wolves are listed as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN red list but are classed as ‘Endangered’ by other organisations. We know that they are definitely not in a good position, as like other South American species, they are struggling with habitat loss, and are threatened by human activity.

We’re have worked with WildCare Institute to fund a project in Misiones, Argentina, creating a biological corridor to create a safe haven for Argentina-based Maned wolves.

Working with Maned Wolves

Wild Care Institute Atlantic Forest Project

The WildLife Foundation was proud to have partnered with the WildCare Institute. At the WildLife Foundation, we supported a ‘green corridor’ sanctuary in Argentina, South America, run by the WildCare Institute. The sanctuary, located in the Misiones province of northern Argentina, protected Maned wolves by providing a ‘safe haven’ sanctuary. We funded a project that created a series of 18 educational and interactive workshops led by some of Argentina’s leading environmental professionals, including veterinarians, professors, beekeepers, and the Argentinian secretary of family agriculture. The project was designed to equip local communities with the skills and knowledge to improve their livelihoods and foster a greater appreciation for wildlife by offering education and alternatives to hunting. It also increased enforcement measures to improve species survival. This funding marked the first time the area, comprising nearly 4,000 hectares of land, was protected to help conserve Maned wolves.

Threats

Habitat reduction

Maned wolves live in grassland and scrub forest, which is being destroyed to make farmland and roads
Human activity

As roads get closer and closer to their habitat, lots of wolves are lost in traffic fatalities.
Hunting

Maned wolves are sometimes killed for their body parts, which are believed to have magical properties.
Disease

Although they are their own species, Maned wolves are at risk from catching viruses that affect the domestic dog.

Facts

The Maned wolf is described as a ‘fox on stilts’ as it has red fur like a fox, and long legs.
Maned wolves like to go it solo when hunting, and do not hunt in packs like other wolves. They also have a very balanced diet, and are a fan of fruit and vegetables!