What kind of animal is a Japanese raccoon dog? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. The raccoon dog is an animal that is distributed in East Asia and is endemic to Japan. It is mainly found in Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and although it is not designated as an endangered species, it is in danger due to habitat destruction.
What is a Japanese raccoon dog? About basic status
The Japanese raccoon dog is a mammal that belongs to the Carnivora order, the Canidae family, and the Raccoon genus. The kanji character is mainland raccoon dog, and the scientific name is Nyctereutes viverrinus viverrinus. The body length is 40-50 cm, the tail length is 15 cm, and the weight is 3-4 kg. These animals are often kept in zoos and are often exhibited or introduced in information about events within the zoo. Below is a list of basic information. The location of the zoo’s facilities is easy to access, so give it a try.
| Japanese（和名） | ホンドタヌキ |
| English（英名） | Japanese raccoon dog |
| scientific name(学名) | Nyctereutes viverrinus viverrinus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Carnivora、 Canidae、Nyctereutes 哺乳綱、食肉目、イヌ科、タヌキ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 40 – 50cm |
| Weight（体重） | 3-4kg |
About classification
It is classified as a raccoon dog. In the same family is the Ezo raccoon dog, which also lives in Hokkaido, Japan. Until now, it has been considered a subspecies of procyonoides.
About habitat
The Japanese raccoon dog is distributed in forests in various regions of Japan, from Honshu to Shikoku to Kyushu. This species’ habitat is mainly satoyama, and it is active even in the middle of winter, so it does not live in winter.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The raccoon dog has five fingers on its front legs and four fingers on its hind legs. Body hair changes in summer and winter. Their home range varies depending on region, season, etc. They are good swimmers and have the ability to dexterously swim underwater. They are mainly active at night and are quiet during the day. They are not very territorial animals. They usually travel alone or in groups or groups. They dig their own burrows and live in them.
What is your personality like?
Raccoon dogs are very cautious and fearful. Individuals of this species are also nocturnal and go into raccoon sleep.'' The raccoon dog is in a state ofdying death” as it is stimulated by gunshots, meaning it pretends to be dead or asleep.
What is the ecology like?
The raccoon dog is an omnivorous animal, so it can eat mice, nuts, fruits, crops, grass, and even small reptiles and insects. Raccoons usually give birth to 3 to 5 babies in their burrows in mid-March. Basically, it is said that more males are born than females, and they live with their parents until they grow up. The lifespan is said to be about 10-15 years.
Is the Japanese raccoon dog an endangered species?
Is the Japanese raccoon dog an endangered species? In conclusion, it is classified as a low concern and is in a very safe condition. However, in recent years, due to the following reasons, the population of this species has decreased dramatically in some areas, making it a dangerous situation.
habitat destruction
The Japanese raccoon dog mainly prefers living in bushes, but its territory has been destroyed by humans, making it dangerous. Their habitat is becoming fragmented, and there are many incidents of them showing up in human residential areas and being run over by cars.
canine distemper
Raccoons are susceptible to canine distemper and mange. If the condition becomes severe, it can lead to secondary infection, which can infect the entire herd, which is a matter of great concern. It becomes difficult to maintain body temperature, and in some cases, death can occur.
hunting and revenge
The Japanese raccoon dog is also said to be a pest. They are killed by the farmers because they eat the farmers’ crops without permission. Therefore, in some areas, they have been thoroughly eradicated.
Can you keep a Japanese raccoon dog?
You can keep a Japanese raccoon dog. Some families actually keep them, but the following precautions need to be taken.
There are few means of obtaining
The Japanese raccoon dog is basically a wild animal and is not sold as a pet, so you will never be able to get one at a pet store. For this reason, the most common method is to have the animal surrendered from a zoo.
A cage and a house are required.
Raccoon dogs tend to move around a lot, so it is very dangerous to let them roam freely like cats. They cause a nuisance by eating the crops of neighbors. Be sure to prepare a cage or house. Get something large enough to relax in.
What kind of food is good?
Raccoons can eat dog food. Raccoon dogs are omnivorous and will eat just about anything, but pet food is ideal from a nutritional standpoint. You can also eat fruits, potatoes, and vegetables as snacks.
Is it possible to keep multiple animals?
Since Japanese raccoon dogs live in families or pairs, we recommend breeding more than one if they are compatible. They are timid and cautious wild animals, so it takes a long time to become tame.
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