ABSTRACT
In order to fully understand the biology of maned wolves (Chrysoscyon brachyurus) and to appreciate their role in the ecosystem and the threats they face, one must know several things concerning the modern Canidae (Order Carnivora). Their anatomy is adapted for the cursorial pursuit of prey in relatively open environments and often characterized by tall, lithe bodies, a bushy tail, long limbs, and digitigrade, four-toed feet (Macdonald and Sillero-Zubiri 2004a; Sillero-Zubiri 2009). The Canidae family is characterized by a great flexibility of diet, opportunistic and adaptable behavior, and complex social organization with much variation within and between species.
