Description
When: December 27, 2018
Where: Zoo Planckendael Mechelen, Belgium
This time, the Bush Dogs - including pups - sort of came towards us, though actually towards the water that's in a perfect place for watching them.
All the other times though, you only had to make the slightest movement, and they'd go and run away again. They made it very difficult to get a good glimpse of them, but then, in the wild, it would probably be that much more difficult. So we consider ourselves quite lucky with the moments we did have with them.
Species: Bush Dog (Boshond)
Latin name: Speothos Venaticus
Originates from Central and South America.
Current status: Near Threatened
Did you know:
…When the Bush Dog was first discovered, as fossils found in Brazilian caves, it was thought to be extinct.
…It is the only living species in the genus Speothos, with genetic evidence suggesting it’s closest living relative is the Maned Wolf or African Wild Dog.
…In many countries it occurs in, they use different names for the Bush Dog, like Cachorro-Vinagre (Vinegar Dog), Cachorro-Do-Mato (Bush Dog), Perro-Vinagre (Vinegar Dog), Zorro Vinagre (Vinagar Fox), Perro De Agua (Water Dog) or Perro De Monte (Mountain Dog).
…While adult Bush Dogs have brown-ish to tan fur, with a lighter reddish tinge on the head, neck and back and a darker underside, sometimes with a light throat patch, young Bush Dogs are actually black all over their bodies.
…Bush Dogs tend to live in small packs, with one mated pair and their immediate kin. They are fluid on land, but also in the water, and will use burrows as shelter.
© Mouselemur’s Photography - Portegiesje
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