What kind of animal is the bush dog? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. This animal, which can be found in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, etc., is very well known in South America. However, its population has drastically decreased and it may be extinct.
What is Bush Dog? Basic Stats
The bush dog is a carnivorous animal classified in the mammalian order Carnivora, family Canidae, genus Speothos. Its English name is Bush Dog, and its scientific name is Speothos venaticus. Its body length is 58-75cm, its tail length is 11-15cm, and its weight is 5-7kg. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | ヤブイヌ |
| English（英名） | Bush Dog |
| scientific name(学名) | Speothos venaticus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Carnivora、Canidae、Speothos 哺乳綱、食肉目、イヌ科、ヤブイヌ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | NEAR THREATENED |
| Length（体長） | 58～75cm |
| Weight（体重） | ５～７kg |
Habitat
Bush dogs are found in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru in South America, and Panama in Central America.
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
Bush dogs have a sturdy, heavy body, flat head, small, round ears that are set far apart. Their hair is short and coarse, and the front of their body is yellowish brown or dark brown. They are said to be the most primitive canine animal. Bush dogs are found in forests, grasslands, open pastures, and humid savannas.
What is their personality like?
Bush dogs live in groups of about 10 to 12 individuals and are very social animals with a strong sense of camaraderie. They are active during the day, but are generally nocturnal. They also prefer waterside and wetlands, have webbed feet, and are good at swimming and diving. Their range of activity is 4 to 10 square kilometers, and they have a habit of marking their territory with urine.
What is their ecology like?
Bush dogs live by feeding on mammals and birds such as tinamous ostriches. They reproduce viviparously. They breed in burrows found in old armadillo or anteater nests, tree bases, or rock crevices. The gestation period is two months and they can give birth to 1-6 puppies at a time. There is a nursing period of about six months and their lifespan in captivity is about 13 years.
Do they have any natural enemies?
The natural enemies of bush dogs are pumas and jaguars.
Are bush dogs endangered?
Bush dogs are listed on the Red List as Near Threatened (NT). Their population has dropped drastically due to agricultural land development, plantations, poaching, and other factors. In Brazil and Peru, they are now legally protected.
Can bush dogs be kept as pets?
Bush dogs are listed as endangered, and cannot be kept by the general public. We recommend viewing them at zoos and other places. Check the calendar to see the wild animals on exhibit on days you can go. Also check transportation services such as buses and trains. Also check the opening map at the general information desk in the zoo.
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