Slide 1

Presentation
of Species of Study

Chrysocyon brachyurus, commonly known as the maned-wolf

Physical Appearance

Golden-red coat

Black on the muzzle, feet, and scapular regions

White markings on the throat, tail, and ears

Average adults stand three feet tall and weigh fifty pounds (Dietz 1987)

Species of Study

Solitary animals by nature

Males and females display “facultative monogamy”

Pair bonds allow for use and protection of a shared territory that average between 4.7 and 79.5 km2 (Silveira 1999)

Paired wolves will use the same territory, but individuals will not usually associate with one another outside of the breeding season (Dietz 1985)

Species of Study

Distributed from northeastern to southern Brazil

Typically found in grasslands and scrub forests (Dietz 1985)

Considered endangered by the Brazilian government

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) considers the species “vulnerable” to becoming endangered (Dietz 1985)

Goal of Study

Our goal in participating in this research was to achieve an understanding of maned-wolf ecology in an effort to raise awareness for the conservation of this species.

In Cooperation With...

The following research was conducted as a part of an ongoing project led by Leandro Silveira and Anah Jacomo.

Study Area

Emas National Park (ENP)

Central Brazil in the southwest region of the state of Goias

132,000 hectares (ha) (326,172 acres)

Habitats: 97% grassland plains, 1% shrub fields, 2% riparian forest, and marsh areas

The research was conducted over part of the dry season, specifically June and July

Study Area

The Cerrado grasslands of central Brazil have largely been converted into agricultural grounds and exotic pastures for beef cattle

38% has been converted to human use

42% is now used for charcoal and cattle production

80% of this precious natural habitat is under some form of human use (Mittermeier et al. 2000)

Capture Effort

O-M-N-P1 Route:

26 metal traps were distributed every 2.4 km (1.5 mi)

Monitored from June 4 to July 18

Animals captured were radio-collared and later radio-tracked for purposes of determining home range

Capture Effort

Setting and Baiting Traps

Trap was baited with a live pigeon that was caged within the back quarter of the trap and provided with enough food (dry corn) and water to last three days

Setting and Baiting Traps

Trigger Mechanism:

Upper handle of metal door was tied with a nylon cord

Cord drawn over a metal frame above the trap

Opposite end of the cord was attached to a small stick

Small stick was lowered through the metal barred roof of the trap toward the back of the cage

Setting and Baiting Traps

One end of the small stick was placed in a preset wire loop attached to floor of the trap

other end of small stick was held in position by a straight stick (preferably bamboo) slightly longer than the width of the trap

Door was released when bamboo was moved

Examination of a Captured Animal

Veterinarian injecting a sedative via intramuscular

Sedative: Zoletil R50 (Combination of Tiletamina and Zolazepan)

Examination of a Captured Animal

Processes Involved:

Animal weighed in a net with hanging scales

Initial vital signs taken

cardiac rate, respiratory rate, and temperature

Examination of a Captured Animal

Processes Cont’d

4 to 6 test tubes of blood samples

Blood smears were made on two glass slides

Newly captured animal, 2 smaller test tubes were also filled for the purposes of determining DNA sequences and possible genetic ties with other individuals

Examination of a Captured Animal

Processes Cont’d

Extract and place ectoparasites into a film canister half filled with isopropyl alcohol

Animal’s teeth were carefully measured and photographed from all angles

Complete Biometry record made for new individuals

Examination of a Captured Animal

Processes Cont’d

Female animal: vaginal smear

Male: urine sample extracted by inserting a plastic catheter through the urethra of the penis and into the urinary bladder

Examination of a Captured Animal

Radio-Collaring:

Radio-collar’s frequency and function were checked with a mobile receiver before it was secured to the animal

Collar was fitted and bolted around the animal’s neck

Radio-Telemetry

Captured maned-wolves were fitted with a collar carrying an external radio-transmitter

Each transmitter has a unique frequency

Activity level: 3 signal characteristics

“Active” suggests detected motion

“Inactive” occurs when the animal is dormant

“Mortality” occurs when an animal has remained inactive for two or more hours

Radio-Telemetry

Frequencies were programmed into a receiver and heard using a vehicle-mounted receiving system

Radio-Telemetry

Two-tower Triangulation Method:

Two bearings
that ideally form a 90 degree angle were taken; intersection of bearings was animal’s estimated location

Radio-Telemetry

Location Estimation Methods:

Area Map

Materials: protractor, ruler, pencil, map

Locate II, Version 1.82 Software

Home Range Estimation

Home range: an “area traversed by the individual in its normal activities of food gathering, mating, and caring for young” (White and Garrett 1990)

Takes into account where an animal spends 95% of its time

Home Range Estimation

Minimum number of estimated locations n>9

Estimated locations entered into Ranges6 VI.211: comprehensive system that allows researchers the opportunity to view, edit, and analyze spatial location information (Kenward et al. 2003)

Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP)

Harmonic Mean

Diet Study

Procedure:

“Scats” (Maned-wolf feces) collected from field

Identified by odor, diameter, and locations (termite mounds and road)

Stored in plastic bags and labeled

Dryed in the sun in bags

Washed under running water

Re-dryed on plastic plates

Macroscopically analyzed

Diet Study

Items found:

Classes: Animal or plant

Categories: rodent, bird, insect, snake, armadillo, and fruit

Niche Breadth: is a quantitative measurement of how specialized animals or plants may be

Levins´ measure of niche breadth

Calculated through Ecological Methodology Version 5.1 software

Results

June 4 to July 18:

7 individual maned-wolves were captured 27 times

2 were newly identified and collared

4 wolves were recaptured 2 or more times over the total trapping effort which lasted 44 nights

Home Range
Results

16 individuals were located for a total of 104 points of estimated location

Home range estimated through the software Ranges6 VI.211

Minimum convex polygon (MCP)

Harmonic Mean models

Total home range area found was 19,957.39 ha (49, 314.71 acres)

Home Range Results

Minimum of estimated locations was set at n >9

5 of the 16 radio-collared wolves occupied 74.15% of the total calculated home range area (14,798.76 ha or 36,567.74 acres)

Home Range Results

Diet Study Results

51 scats were collected from June 4 to July 12

Total Items: 146

Levins’ Standardized Niche Breadth: 0.341

4 of the 11 distinguished categories were found to be frequently-used resources

Diet Study Results

89 of the total 146 items were identified as animal (60.96%), while 57 were classified as plant (39.04%)

Diet Study Results

Discussion of Results

MCP vs. Harmonic Means

Comparison of methods: male maned-wolf Renas (291)

3,395.08 ha (8,389.24 acres) through MCP

27.23 ha (67.29 acres) through HM

The HM is based on multiple core areas of activity and eliminates outliers

MCP overestimates home range

Discussion

Overlap of Home Ranges

Tiago (150.892) and Jacira (151.252)

estimated overlap of 50%

Marcos (150.772) and Elisa (150.783)

100% overlap

Discussion

Conservation

The ever-increasing commercialization of the lands surrounding Emas is a constant threat to the maned-wolf’s natural Cerrado habitats

Maned-wolves often use surrounding farmland

Extensions of home range require highway crossings

3 prime examples

Marcos (772),

Tiago (892), and

Jacira (252)

Discussion

Road-kill Incidents

None during this study

Past data has shown that an average of five maned-wolf die due road related incidents yearly

Preservation of the species requires further research on the effects of commercialization and limited natural resources

Discussion

Manso (151.512)

1st captured 1997-recaptured 2004

No concrete data on the lifespan of maned-wolves in the wild

captive maned-wolves have been documented to live up to 15 years

Manso’s poor dental condition was documented in detail

Discussion

Diet

146 total items were separated into two basic categories: animal and plant

Of all items found rodent (43.82%) and lobeira (78.95%) were the highest for their respective categories

Rodent and bird classes combined for a total of 80.90% of all animal prey

Discussion

Diet cont’d: Lobeira (Solanum lycocarpum)

Most frequently found item (30.82%)

Primary dietary staple of maned-wolves in the Cerrado

Grows and ripens year-round

Reliable food source for the maned-wolves throughout both seasons

Discussion

Diet Cont’d: Niche Breadth

Diet study revealed a 0.341 Levins’ Standardized niche breadth

Diet is semi-specialized

Specialized Resources:

rodent (26.71%), bird (22.60%), snake (8.22%), and lobeira (30.82%)

Value is a quantitative measurement of specialization of diet based on a scale of 0 to 1.0 (Krebs 1999)

Values closer to 1.0 indicate a generalized diet while the 0 value suggests maximum specialization in dietary needs (Krebs 1999)

Discussion

Diet Cont’d:

Classified as Generalist Carnivore

Dietary Habits suggest Opportunistic Omnivore

Relies on food resources as found in abundance

Ability to adapt dietary needs is a crucial part of their survival in the Cerrado and surrounding areas of Emas National Park

Special Thanks To...

MIRT

Dr. Malinda Fitzgerald

EarthWatch volunteers

Natalia Mundim Torres

Dr. Leandro Silveira and his research team (Anah Jacomo, Mariana Malzoni Furtado, Cyntia Kayo Kashivakura, and Claudia Ferro)

Slide 46


	Chrysocyon brachyurus, commonly known as the maned-wolf
	Physical Appearance
		Golden-red coat
		Black on the muzzle, feet, and scapular regions
		White markings on the throat, tail, and ears
		Average adults stand three feet tall and weigh fifty pounds (Dietz 1987)


	Solitary animals by nature
	Males and females display “facultative monogamy”
	Pair bonds allow for use and protection of a shared territory that average between 4.7 and 79.5 km2 (Silveira 1999)
	Paired wolves will use the same territory, but individuals will not usually associate with one another outside of the breeding season (Dietz 1985)



	Distributed from northeastern to southern Brazil
	Typically found in grasslands and scrub forests (Dietz 1985)
	Considered endangered by the Brazilian government
	The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) considers the species “vulnerable” to becoming endangered (Dietz 1985)


	Our goal in participating in this research was to achieve an understanding of maned-wolf ecology in an effort to raise awareness for the conservation of this species.


	The following research was conducted as a part of an ongoing project led by Leandro Silveira and Anah Jacomo.


	Emas National Park (ENP)
		Central Brazil in the southwest region of the state of Goias
		132,000 hectares (ha) (326,172 acres)
		Habitats: 97% grassland plains, 1% shrub fields, 2% riparian forest, and marsh areas
		The research was conducted over part of the dry season, specifically June and July


	The Cerrado grasslands of central Brazil have largely been converted into agricultural grounds and exotic pastures for beef cattle
		38% has been converted to human use
		42% is now used for charcoal and cattle production
		80% of this precious natural habitat is under some form of human use (Mittermeier et al. 2000)


	O-M-N-P1 Route:
		26 metal traps were distributed every 2.4 km (1.5 mi)
	Monitored from June 4 to July 18
	Animals captured were radio-collared and later radio-tracked for purposes of determining home range


	Trap was baited with a live pigeon that was caged within the back quarter of the trap and provided with enough food (dry corn) and water to last three days


	Trigger Mechanism:
		Upper handle of metal door was tied with a nylon cord
		Cord drawn over a metal frame above the trap
		Opposite end of the cord was attached to a small stick
		Small stick was lowered through the metal barred roof of the trap toward the back of the cage


		One end of the small stick was placed in a preset wire loop attached to floor of the trap
		other end of small stick was held in position by a straight stick (preferably bamboo) slightly longer than the width of the trap
		Door was released when bamboo was moved


	Veterinarian injecting a sedative via intramuscular
		Sedative: Zoletil R50 (Combination of Tiletamina and Zolazepan)


Processes Involved:
	Animal weighed in a net with hanging scales
	Initial vital signs taken
		cardiac rate, respiratory rate, and temperature


	Processes Cont’d
		4 to 6 test tubes of blood samples
		Blood smears were made on two glass slides
		Newly captured animal, 2 smaller test tubes were also filled for the purposes of determining DNA sequences and possible genetic ties with other individuals


	Processes Cont’d
		Extract and place ectoparasites into a film canister half filled with isopropyl alcohol
		Animal’s teeth were carefully measured and photographed from all angles
		Complete Biometry record made for new individuals


	Processes Cont’d
		Female animal: vaginal smear
		Male: urine sample extracted by inserting a plastic catheter through the urethra of the penis and into the urinary bladder


	Radio-Collaring:
		Radio-collar’s frequency and function were checked with a mobile receiver before it was secured to the animal
		Collar was fitted and bolted around the animal’s neck


	Captured maned-wolves were fitted with a collar carrying an external radio-transmitter
	Each transmitter has a unique frequency
	Activity level: 3 signal characteristics
		“Active” suggests detected motion
		“Inactive” occurs when the animal is dormant
		“Mortality” occurs when an animal has remained inactive for two or more hours


	Frequencies were programmed into a receiver and heard using a vehicle-mounted receiving system


	Two-tower Triangulation Method:
		Two bearings that ideally form a 90 degree angle were taken; intersection of bearings was animal’s estimated location


Location Estimation Methods:
	Area Map
		Materials: protractor, ruler, pencil, map
	Locate II, Version 1.82 Software


	Home range: an “area traversed by the individual in its normal activities of food gathering, mating, and caring for young” (White and Garrett 1990)
	Takes into account where an animal spends 95% of its time


	Minimum number of estimated locations n>9
	Estimated locations entered into Ranges6 VI.211: comprehensive system that allows researchers the opportunity to view, edit, and analyze spatial location information (Kenward et al. 2003)
		Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP)
		Harmonic Mean


Procedure:
	“Scats” (Maned-wolf feces) collected from field
		Identified by odor, diameter, and locations (termite mounds and road)
	Stored in plastic bags and labeled
	Dryed in the sun in bags
	Washed under running water
	Re-dryed on plastic plates
	Macroscopically analyzed


	Items found:
		Classes: Animal or plant
		Categories: rodent, bird, insect, snake, armadillo, and fruit
	Niche Breadth: is a quantitative measurement of how specialized animals or plants may be
		Levins´ measure of niche breadth
		Calculated through Ecological Methodology Version 5.1 software


	June 4 to July 18:
		7 individual maned-wolves were captured 27 times
		2 were newly identified and collared
		4 wolves were recaptured 2 or more times over the total trapping effort which lasted 44 nights


	16 individuals were located for a total of 104 points of estimated location
	Home range estimated through the software Ranges6 VI.211
		Minimum convex polygon (MCP)
		Harmonic Mean models
	Total home range area found was 19,957.39 ha (49, 314.71 acres)


	Minimum of estimated locations was set at n >9
	5 of the 16 radio-collared wolves occupied 74.15% of the total calculated home range area (14,798.76 ha or 36,567.74 acres)


	51 scats were collected from June 4 to July 12
	Total Items: 146
	Levins’ Standardized Niche Breadth: 0.341
	4 of the 11 distinguished categories were found to be frequently-used resources


	89 of the total 146 items were identified as animal (60.96%), while 57 were classified as plant (39.04%)