The Bedford Estates, London
Overview
Bush dogs are small, stocky carnivores that are native to South America. They live and hunt in family groups of up to 12 animals, and their favourite prey is large rodents.
All about us
| Distribution: | Central and South America |
|---|---|
| Habitat: | Swamp Forest, Temperate Forest, Tropical Forest |
| Height: | 20-30cm |
| Weight: | 5 – 7kg |
| Gestation Period: | 67 days |
| Lifespan: | 10 years |
| Threats: | Habitat loss, loss of prey species and an increase in diseases affecting canines |
Scientific name: Speothos venaticus
The bush dog pack at Woburn Safari Park consists of three males; Pongo, Dante and Scrappy Dappy Doo, aged between eight and 11 years old
The pack is a tight-knit group, so they will often follow each other around the enclosure, feed together, and sleep close to one another. They are naturally quite shy animals, but can be very vocal, so visitors may hear their high-pitched calling noises as they communicate with each other.
bush dog facts
Bush dogs are a small, stocky member of the dog family; they only grow to about 25-30cm tall. They have short legs, a stocky body and reddish-brown fur.
They have webbed feet which makes them strong swimmers and means they are well adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle.
Bush dogs are carnivorous and will hunt together as a pack to bring down large rodents such as agouti, capybara and even rhea! They are also known to eat smaller rodents, lizards and birds.
Bush dogs are social animals that live in family groups that are led by an alpha pair. They are most active during the day. They are naturally quite shy animals but can be very vocal and communicate with each other using high-pitched calling noises.
Only the alpha pair will breed and on average they will give birth to four pups. All members of the pack will then help to protect and care for the young.
Bush dogs are classified as a near threatened species. They face a number of threats in the wild including habitat loss for farming, the loss of prey species and an increase in diseases affecting canines.
