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For the first time ever, the legendary and mysterious Short-eared dog (Atelocynus microtis) was captured in the heights of Beni, an area in north-eastern Bolivia. These jungle canids are therefore incredibly difficult to see, and the deforestation of the Amazon endangers their existence.
According to researchers at the University of California, these animals could decrease by 30% by 2027. Short-eared dog was taken into the National Center for Genetic Improvement. All veterinary tests were performed, DNA and blood samples were collected for a more complete examination.
According to experts, it is one of the most elusive species in the Amazon basin. People who visit the tropical forests of South America are more likely to see a jaguar than to see this solitary creature. It wasn't in optimal physical condition: he was very undernourished, so the vets preferred not to sedate him with drugs that could have put his life in danger.
Now she has regained the weight on a diet of chicken liver enriched in folic acid. It is a young animal, it could be around 7-8 months old. The vets who took him into custody have made it known that they understand that he is not born because the testicles have not yet descended from the abdominal side.
The animal has a peculiar jump when walking, has a membrane between the toes similar to that of ducks which makes it an excellent swimmer and feeds on small mammals, fish, fruits and reptiles. This is the first specimen captured alive and was sighted by chance in an area considered urban.
It is the size of a fox. The atelocine competes for food with jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, and giant otters, and for territory with the speotos. Stray dogs are a significant problem for atelocin populations, as they facilitate the spread of diseases such as canine distemper and rabies to feral populations.
Man also contributes to the extermination of the species by invading its habitat and destroying tropical rainforests. The Atelocine is currently classified by the IUCN as a Near Threatened species
