Latest update June 7th, 2024 12:59 AM
Nov 21, 2010 Features / Columnists, Interesting Creatures in Guyana
There are many species of dogs across the world such as hounds, bulldogs, terriers, and the list goes on but not many are threatened with extinction. Such is the fate of the Bush Dog which is scientifically called Speothos venaticus. This dog species can be found right here in Guyana.
Listed as Near Threatened, although the species occurs in a variety of habitats across a large range, it is nowhere abundant and occurs at very low densities.
Though not native to Guyana alone, the population worldwide is estimated to number fewer than 15,000 mature individuals, and is thought likely to experience a continuing decline nearing 10 percent over the coming decade largely as a result of ongoing habitat loss and degradation.
Bush Dogs are reported to be a habitat generalist by indigenous peoples, within the context of occurring generally near water sources, particularly small streams, and near available prey populations, especially Agouti paca.
Bush Dogs have been observed in lowland (below 1,500 m) forested habitats including primary and gallery forest, semi-deciduous forest, and seasonally flooded forest. In some cases, they have been observed several kilometres from forest habitat. The most serious threat to this species of dog is from habitat conversion and human encroachment.
However they do occur in captivity and are breeding successfully but there are no known attempts at reintroduction. This dog species has soft long brownish-tan fur, with a light reddish tinge on the head, neck and back and a bushy tail, while the underside is dark, sometimes with a lighter throat patch.
Adults typically have 55 to 75 cm (22 to 30 in) of head and body, plus 13 cm (5 in) of tail, and weigh between five and seven kg (11–15 lb). Legs and snout are short relative to body length: the typical height is only about 25 to 30 cm (10–12 in). A total of 40 teeth are adapted for its carnivorous habits. They are known to hunt during the day, preferably in wet savannahs and tropical and equatorial forests.
Their typical prey is primarily the Paca (Cuniculus paca), a large rodent. Although it can hunt alone on occasion, Bush Dogs are usually found in small packs of up to 10 to 12 individuals, which can bring down much larger prey. It may be the most gregarious of the South American canid species.
Bush Dogs usually have skin growing between their toes, which allows them to swim more efficiently. They use hollow logs and cavities (e.g. armadillo burrows) for shelter. Pack-mates keep in contact with frequent whines, perhaps because visibility is poor in the undergrowth where the animal typically hunts.
The gestation period for the Bush Dog is an average of 63 days, and a litter can have up to six dark grey pups. Lactation lasts for approximately eight weeks. These creatures are sexually mature at one year old and can live for about 10 years. The female is said to be ready to mate twice a year, and most pups are born in October, during the rainy period.
A few days before giving birth, the female digs a hole, in which the young Bush Dogs spend the first few months of their lives. A young / baby of a Bush Dog is called a ‘whelp or pup’. The females are called ‘bitch’ and males ‘dog or sire’. However not much more is known about their mating habits.
Bush Dogs in general spend their nights in a cave, a cliff gap or some other hiding place and they are also known to be very territorial, which means they mark their territory and don’t allow other groups in. Female bush dogs mark their territory by reversing up to trees and urinating on the trunk from a handstand position. Males also mark their territory with urine. Bush Dogs are fairly aggressive and they will almost always choose to fight instead of run away from a potential enemy. Still, they’re fairly easy to tame and many natives hold these animals as pets or hunting companions.
EXXON thieving oil profits!
Jun 07, 2024
2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup…West Indies vs. Uganda Kaieteur Sports – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup action continues at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence tonight with host’s West...Kaieteur News – As the West Indies cricket team prepares for its summer tour of England, the selection of the squad... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – In the ongoing discourse on international relations and human rights, one of... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]