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A Fox Like No Other: Focus on the Small-Eared Fox

The Short-eared dog (Atelocynus microtis) is a rare and mysterious canid, inhabiting the tropical forests of the Amazon. With its characteristic short ears and unique adaptation to life in dense forests, it represents a fascinating case of specialized evolution among canids.

Physical Description

The Short-eared dog is a medium-sized canid, measuring between 72 and 100 cm in length (including the tail) and weighing between 9 and 10 kg. Its fur is generally dark gray to black, with reddish hues on the belly and legs. Its short, rounded ears, which give it its name, are an adaptation to life in dense forests where directional hearing is less crucial than in open spaces.

Classification

The Short-eared dog (Atelocynus microtis) belongs to the Canid family.

Kingdom: Animalia (Animals)
Phylum: Chordata (Chordates)
Class: Mammalia (Mammals)
Order: Carnivora (Carnivores)
Family: Canidae (Canids)
Genus: Atelocynus
Species: Atelocynus microtis

This fox is the only member of the genus Atelocynus, making it a particularly unique species among canids.

Habitat

The Short-eared dog lives exclusively in the Amazon basin, mainly in the humid tropical forests of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. It prefers undisturbed primary forest areas near rivers and marshlands. Its adaptation to this dense environment explains several of its unique physical characteristics.

Behavior and Social Life

The Short-eared dog is primarily a solitary and nocturnal animal. Unlike many other canids, it is not territorial and seems to have largely overlapping home ranges. Its small ears are compensated for by a highly developed sense of smell, essential for hunting in the darkness of the dense forest.

Diet

The Short-eared dog is an opportunistic carnivore, feeding mainly on small mammals, fish, birds, insects, and fruits. Its diet varies according to the seasons and the availability of prey in its forest habitat. It is known to be an excellent swimmer, capable of fishing in Amazonian waterways.

Conservation

The Short-eared dog is classified as "near threatened" by the IUCN. The main threats to this species are deforestation of the Amazon, habitat fragmentation, and competition with introduced species. Its elusive nature and inaccessible habitat make it difficult to accurately assess its population.

Closest Genetic Relatives

The Short-eared dog (Atelocynus microtis) is genetically distinct from other South American canids. Its closest living relatives among canids are:

The Bush dog (Speothos venaticus), another canid adapted to tropical forests, although more social and living in small groups.
The Crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous), more common and adapted to various habitats, but sharing some behavioral similarities.

These species represent different adaptation strategies to South American environments, with the Short-eared dog being the most specialized for life in dense forests.

Tips for Observers

Observing a Short-eared dog in the wild is extremely rare due to its elusive nature and difficult-to-access habitat. For those who wish to try:

Choose the right time: Observations are more likely early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Look for wet areas: Focus on areas near rivers and marshes where it often hunts.
Be quiet: The slightest noise can scare away this very discreet animal.
Use camera traps: This is often the only way to document its presence.
Hire a local guide: The knowledge of local populations is invaluable for spotting this rare animal.

Remember that respect for the animal and its habitat should always take precedence over the desire to observe.

The Short-eared dog is a fascinating testament to the adaptation of canids to forest environments. Its discreet existence in the depths of the Amazon makes it one of the least known and most mysterious canids in the world.