Mysterious Amazonian ‘ghost dog’ caught on camera
Yahoo • • world
Key Points:
- The short-eared dog, known as the "ghost dog," is a little-known wild canid species found in the forests of Bolivia and Peru, long considered one of the region's most cryptic carnivores.
- After 25 years of research using 34 camera-trap surveys, scientists gathered 594 photos revealing the dog's physical traits and behavior, including its partially webbed paws and preference for upland forest habitats.
- Contrary to previous beliefs, the species is more abundant than expected, with an estimated density of 15 dogs per 38.61 square miles, making them more common than jaguars but less so than ocelots in the region.
- The short-eared dog is primarily active between 6 a.m. and noon and remains elusive due to its secretive nature, excellent senses, and preference for dense, upland forests far from rivers.
- Researchers highlight the study as a prime example of how camera-trap technology can yield valuable data on elusive Amazonian species, aiding conservation efforts.
