Maned Wolf 427 



the same approximate size, and remarkable for its curious resemblance in 

 point of coloration to the swamp-deer of the same regions. 



In size the species may be compared to a long-legged individual of the 

 common wolf It takes one of its names from the lengthening of the hair 

 on the back of the neck, and the other from its bright yellowish red 

 colour. This prevailing hue is relieved by black on the under side of the 

 lower jaw, on the back ot the neck, and the legs below the knees and 

 hocks ; the upper part of the throat, the inside of the ears, and the 

 tail-tip being white. 



The maned wolf is found, in suitable districts, over a large part of 

 Brazil, Paraguay, and the north ot Argentina. Mainly nocturnal, it lies 

 concealed during the daytime in covert, and prefers damp to dry 

 situations. It is a shy and solitary creature, which never ventures to 

 attack or otherwise molest human beings, and feeds chiefly upon rodents, 

 although sometimes killing deer and, in settled districts, occasionally sheep. 

 Such birds, reptiles, and the larger kinds of insects as it can catch also 

 contribute to the diet of the maned wolf; and fruit is said to be some- 

 times consumed by this animal. 



South America is the home of numerous smaller representatives of the 

 dog family presenting a considerable superficial resemblance to foxes, by 

 which name they are universally known to English settlers and travellers. 

 Strictly speaking, however, they are not foxes at all, in the scientific sense 

 of that term, as is shown by the structure of their skulls, which difl^er in 

 several important respects from that of the common fox and its immediate 

 relatives. Inclusive, apparently, of the maned wolf, these South American 

 species form a peculiar group of the dog tribe, with no near kindred either 

 in North America or in the Old World. None of the smaller kinds can 

 be legitimately regarded as game animals. 



