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The ‘ghost dogs’ of the Amazon – certainly one of the world’s most elusive animals – are thriving and more energetic than previously thought, in line with latest footage.
The short-eared dog, known scientifically as Atelocynus microtis, has long been considered certainly one of Latin America’s most mysterious carnivores.
Its elusive nature, combined with acute hearing and a strong sense of smell, has allowed it to avoid human contact for many years, leaving researchers with only a handful of confirmed sightings.
Nonetheless, a study published within the journal Neotropical Biology and Conservation has provided latest insights into the species through nearly 25 years of research and camera-trap monitoring in Bolivia and Peru.
Researchers say advances in distant sensing technology have transformed their understanding of the animal.
In accordance with lead writer Robert Wallace, the breakthrough got here when scientists first photographed the species using camera traps in 2001.
Recognising the importance of the invention, researchers began compiling data from across the Amazon basin.
Over the next twenty years, scientists gathered 500 distribution records in Bolivia and carried out 34 intensive camera-trap surveys across lowland regions of Bolivia and Peru, particularly throughout the Greater Madidi-Tambopata and Llanos de Moxos biocultural landscapes.
The project produced 594 independent photographic records, representing the most important collection of confirmed short-eared dog observations anywhere throughout the species’ range.
The lead writer described the research as a ‘wonderful example of how conservation technology and distant sensing – on this case the intensive use of camera traps – can provide substantial data on certainly one of the least known species of the Amazonian rainforests’.
‘Ghost dogs’ on camera
Images captured by the camera traps revealed distinctive physical characteristics, including a dark coat starting from blackish-grey to reddish-brown, a big head, very small rounded ears, short legs and a protracted bushy tail.
Researchers also found that the species possesses partially webbed paws, a feature not seen in every other Amazonian wild dog.
Yet scientists say probably the most surprising finding was not the animal’s appearance.
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‘Probably the most surprising aspect of the outcomes was that despite being an almost mythical beast, short-eared dogs are far more abundant than we had imagined.’
While the species stays relatively unusual, capture rates and population estimates suggest there could also be around 15 individuals per 100 square kilometres in suitable habitat.
The study found that short-eared dogs are more quite a few than larger predators resembling the jaguar, but less abundant than medium-sized carnivores including the ocelot.
Researchers also gained latest insights into the animal’s behaviour. The species appears to be more of a morning canid, with activity levels highest between 6am and midday.
The findings suggest the short-eared dog is closely tied to intact rainforest habitats.
Researchers found the species strongly favours terra firme forests — elevated areas of woodland positioned away from rivers — which can help explain why it has remained largely hidden from human observers.
The study concludes that protecting these habitats might be critical to the species’ long-term survival.
Scientists found that short-eared dogs were significantly more abundant in national protected areas and Indigenous territories that overlap with protected zones than in unprotected landscapes.
‘An important management strategy is the protection of Amazonian forest cover for which the creation and effective management of protected areas is an important element, together with the sustainable management of Indigenous territories.’
Although the short-eared dog appears to be thriving in among the most distant forests of Bolivia and Peru, scientists say continued conservation efforts might be essential if the species is to stay secure within the years ahead.
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