The Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is a species of canid native to South America. Its markings resemble those of foxes, but it is neither a fox nor a wolf. It is the only species in the genus Chrysocyon (meaning "golden dog").
It is the largest canid in South America, with a weight between 20 and 30 kg, and reaches up to 90 cm at the withers. This height advantage lets them peer over the tall pampas grasses in Brazilian rainforests and savannas to spot small rodents, lizards, and birds. Its long, thin legs and dense reddish coat give it an unmistakable appearance. The maned wolf is a crepuscular and omnivorous animal adapted to the open environments of the South American savanna, with an important role in the seed dispersal of fruits, especially the wolf apple (Solanum lycocarpum). The maned wolf is a solitary animal. It communicates primarily by scent marking, but also gives a loud call known as "roar-barking".
This mammal is found in open and semi open habitats, especially grasslands with scattered bushes and trees, in the Cerrado of south, central-west, and southeastern Brazil; Paraguay; northern Argentina; and Bolivia east and north of the Andes, and far southeastern Peru (Pampas del Heath only). It is very rare in Uruguay, possibly being displaced completely through loss of habitat. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists it as near threatened, while it is considered a vulnerable species by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources.
They do not hunt in packs, so long legs sure help in a solo lifestyle like theirs. Maned wolves will leap into the air and them use their front paws to pin the prey down. They specialize in preying on small and medium-sized animals, including small mammals (typically rodents and rabbits), birds, and even fish, but a large portion of its diet (more than 50%, according to some studies) is vegetable matter, including sugarcane, tubers, nuts, and fruit like wolf apples. Up to 301 food items have been recorded in the maned wolf's diet, including 116 plants and 178 animal species.
The maned wolf hunts by chasing its prey, digging holes, and jumping to catch birds in flight. About 21% of hunts are successful. Some authors have recorded active pursuits of the Pampas deer. They were also observed feeding on carcasses of run down animals. Dietary analysis has shown consumption of the giant anteater, bush dog, and collared peccary, but it is not known whether these animals are actively hunted or scavenged. Armadillos are also commonly consumed. Animals are more often consumed in the dry season. They actually help farmers with rodent problems in their crop fields by eating all the rodents.
Maned wolves also have a large, fluffy black mane that they erect when provoked or scared, hence the name. Maned wolves apparently also have a very foul mustelid-like odor produced from scent glands to mark their territory. The smell is extremely pungent and is said to smell even worse than a weasel.