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Short-eared bush dog |
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He is a wild animal |
Origin |
Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen | |
This breed is also known as |
Zorro de orejas cortas
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| The possession of this animal is not authorized |
| The genus Atelocynus comprises just one species: Atelocynus microtis, the short-eared bush dog or small-eared fox - Atelocynus microtis1. Virtually nothing is known about this fox, which lives in the immense rainforests of the Amazon basin in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. What is known is that it has nocturnal habits and feeds on insects, small mammals, fish, frogs, snakes and wild fruit. A study carried out at the Cocha Cashu biological station (Peru) showed the proportions of each type of food in this canid's diet. The results were: fish 28%, insects 17%, small mammals 13%, fruit 10%, birds 10%, crabs 10%, amphibians 4%, reptiles 3%. The canines protrude when the mouth is closed. Its coat is short and stiff, and brown or blackish, giving way to a dull reddish-brown on the underside. It also has a dark stripe across the top of the back and tail, and a light-colored area on the underside of the base of the tail. Its length is 72 to 100 cm, and its tail measures 25 to 35 cm. Weight: 9 to 10 kilograms. This species has some unique behavioral traits compared to other canids. Females are 1/3 larger than males. When sexually excited, males produce secretions from a gland at the base of the tail. This animal lives a solitary lifestyle in areas of dense forest, avoiding contact with humans in its natural habitat. Life expectancy and gestation period are unknown, but scientists believe that sexual maturity is reached at one year of age. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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