The effects of agriculture, overgrazing by cattle, annual burning of pasture and soil erosion leave less food and territory for Maned wolves. Habitat destruction through agricultural development threatens Maned wolves. Maned wolves live in the South American grasslands and scrub forests of Brazil, northern Argentina, Paraguay, eastern Bolivia and southeastern Peru. (For more information see Wolf Behaviour). Contrary to popular opinion, Maned wolves are very shy and only attack humans when they feel threatened or afraid. Maned wolves are nocturnal (most active in the night) preferring to rest under forest cover during the day and hunt until sunrise. Zoo diets now feature fruits and vegetables, as well as meat and dog chow. Captive maned wolves were traditionally fed meat-heavy diets and developed kidney stones. Most interestingly of all, a large portion of the diet, over 50%, according to some studies, is made of fruits and plant matter, especially Wolf Apples, the tomato-like fruit of Solanum lycocarpum. Fruits are a large fraction of their diet. At night Maned Wolves search for rodents, hares and birds. Whereas other large canids hunt cooperatively to capture ungulate prey, Maned wolves specialize in small prey. Little information is known about family habits of wild Maned wolves. Captive Maned wolves live between 12 – 15 years. In captivity, males help raise pups by regurgitating food. In August and early September mothers give birth to 2 – 5 maned wolf pups. April marks the beginning of the breeding season. Maned Wolves live in monogamous pairs (having one partner for life) and only interact during the breeding season. Maned Wolves do not form packs like other wolves. Their mane is able to stand upright and is typically used to enlarge the wolfs profile when threatened or when displaying aggression. The coat is further marked with whitish tufts at the tip of the tail and a white ‘bib’ beneath the throat. The Maned Wolfs fur is reddish brown on the sides, with long black legs and a distinctive black mane.
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