OTHER SOUTH AMERICAN SPECIES 557 



of a group of South American species, which form the remaining representatives of 

 the wolf- like section of the family. The maned wolf which is of about the same 

 size as the common wolf, differs from the rest of these South American species by 

 its superior size, longer legs, and shorter tail. It is placed by Professor Mivart 

 among the true wolves, but its appearance and habits are so different that we are 

 persuaded that its proper place is here. 



The aguara-guazu, as this animal is termed in South America, is a long-legged 

 and long-eared species, with a very conspicuous coloration. The body is covered 

 with long and somewhat coarse hairs, which are more lengthened on the back of the 

 neck than elsewhere ; the general color being of a bright yellowish red. There is, 

 however, a black patch extending from the nape of the neck toward the shoulders, 

 and black is also present on the under surface of the lower jaw. Moreover, the 

 legs have black "stockings," standing out conspicuously against the general red 

 color of the body ; while the under surface of the upper part of the throat, as well 

 as the insides of the ears and the extremity of the tail are white. 



The maned wolf inhabits Brazil, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina, but does 

 not extend as far south as the Pampas. It differs from the true wolves in being an 

 entirely solitary animal never assembling in packs, and also in being harmless to 

 men. Generally found in moist regions, it lies concealed during the day in bushes 

 and thickets, and does not venture forth till evening for its nocturnal wanderings. 

 It preys generally upon the various species of Rodents which are so common in 

 South America, some of which are so swift as to elude the attacks of domestic dogs, 

 although they fall a ready prey to the maned wolf. Its diet is, however, varied by 

 birds, reptiles, insects, and even fruits ; while it will sometimes attack deer, and 

 more rarely sheep. Owing to its nocturnal habits the maned wolf is rarely seen in 

 inhabited districts, but it appears that in regions remote from human habitations it 

 is less cautious in its habits and will issue forth during the daytime. 



OTHER SOUTH AMERICAN SPECIES (Canis azarce, etc.) 



. , _ The comparatively small and fox-like species known as Azara's dog 



( C. azara} , is the best known of several South American species in re- 

 gard to the nomenclature of which there has been much confusion. This dog differs 

 from all the species yet noticed by its fox-like appearance, this being especially 

 shown by its long body, short legs, large ears, and long bushy tail. If, however, 

 we were to assume from this that the creature was nearly related to the European 

 fox, we should be in error, since it has a skull agreeing with those of the wolves and 

 jackals, and quite unlike those of the true foxes, which are unknown in South 

 America. This species is found from Brazil to Tierra del Fuego, and also on the 

 western side of the Andes in Chili and elsewhere. It is true, indeed, that there is 

 great variation in the color of specimens from different regions, on which account 

 a number of nominal species have been determined ; but these are all regarded by 

 Professor Mivart as local races of one species. It likewise appears that there is a 

 considerable amount of seasonal variation in the color and length of the fur in the 

 same individuals ; the hairs being longer and grayer in winter than in summer, 



