Maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) minimum population size and genetic diversity in a Cerrado protected area of southeastern Brazil revealed by fecal DNA analysis

A study of maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in the Cerrado Protected Areas of southeastern Brazil revealed a minimum population size of 13 individuals, with genetic diversity comparable to larger, better-preserved regions but showing signs of inbreeding and deviations from Hardy-Weinberg expectations. This suggests that even in protected areas, the species may face threats despite their apparent resilience. Researchers used fecal DNA analysis across five microsatellite loci over a 13-month period to assess population structure and genetic health, providing critical insights into the conservation status of this iconic South American canid.

do Passo Ramalho, F., Miotto, R. A., Martins, N., & Galetti, P. M. (2014). Maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) minimum population size and genetic diversity in a Cerrado protected area of southeastern Brazil revealed by fecal DNA analysis. Mammalia, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1515/mammalia-2013-0109