What is the population of the maned wolf?
In all parts of its range, the maned wolf occurs at low densities. Although home range area for two individuals is approximately 20 to 30 km2, 1960s population density estimates for 650,000 km2 in Brazil (IUCN 1976) indicate densities of 1 individual per 300 km2. This suggests that either much habitat remains uncolonized or that small areas of suitable habitat are interspersed amongst much larger areas of unsuitable habitat. Dietz (1983) presents good evidence that the range of the species is expanding with changes in habitat availability brought about by the expansion of agricultural use of land. However, further agricultural development may lead to habitat loss for the species. Bolivia: Sightings are rare and the species is considered endangered (Tello unpublished data). Disease, not hunting, is blamed for population decline. This remains unconfirmed and there is some suspicion that hunting may indeed play a part in the decline of the species. Fencing of ranches and hunting as a pest
