Bush dog
Scientific name: Speothos venaticus
IUCN listed as: Near Threatened
Learn before you visit!
Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.
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Diet
Bush dogs, carnivores by nature, enjoy a varied diet comprising small mammals, fish, birds, and occasional reptiles. Their adept hunting skills, facilitated by sharp teeth and strong jaws, ensure they efficiently acquire sustenance within their lush forest environment.
Bush dogs love to eat small animals like mice, fish, birds, and sometimes even reptiles. Their sharp teeth help them catch and eat their food quickly in the forest.
Breeding
During the rainy seasons of Central and South America, bush dog females give birth to litters of one to six pups after a gestation period of about two months. Both parents actively nurture the young in burrows or dens within their territory, fostering a cooperative parenting dynamic that contributes to the pack’s continuity.
When it’s rainy, bush dog mums have babies, usually between one and six at a time. Both parents take care of the babies, keeping them safe in burrows or dens where they live.
Habitat
Thriving in the dense forests and wetlands of their native regions, bush dogs prefer habitats rich in vegetation and water sources such as rivers and swamps. Their semi-aquatic tendencies enable easy navigation through the undergrowth, providing ample cover for hunting and socialising.
Bush dogs live in forests and wetlands in Central and South America. They like places with lots of trees and water, where they can hide and find food easily.
At the zoo
In UK zoos, bush dogs receive attentive care to ensure their welfare. They inhabit spacious enclosures designed to mimic their natural forest habitat, complete with vegetation and hiding places. Their diet is carefully curated to include a balanced mix of meat and vegetables to keep them healthy. Enrichment activities such as scent trails and digging areas are provided to stimulate their natural behaviours and keep them mentally engaged. Additionally, zoos participate in conservation programmes to support the preservation of wild bush dog populations and their ecosystems.
In UK zoos, bush dogs are well looked after. They live in big spaces that are like forests, with lots of places to hide and explore. They eat a mix of meat and veggies to keep them strong and healthy. Zoos also give them fun things to do, like following scent trails and digging. People also work together to help protect bush dogs in the wild and make sure their homes stay safe.
Behaviour
Bush dogs are very friendly and live together in big families called packs. They talk to each other using sounds, body movements, and smells. When they hunt, they work as a team to catch big animals.
Fun facts
- Family Fans: Bush dogs live in tight-knit packs, often with around 10 members.
- Water Wonders: They’re great swimmers, diving into rivers to hunt fish.
- Smelly Signals: Bush dogs have a unique scent for communication, a bit like vinegar.
- Mighty Hunters: Despite being small, they can take down much bigger prey.
- Rough Tongues: Their tongues are rough, helping with grooming and eating.
- Bush Buddies: Bush dogs live in big families, like a party with up to 10 members!
- Splashy Swimmers: They love water and are great at swimming, especially when fishing.
- Scent Detectives: These dogs have a smelly secret – they use a unique smell like vinegar to talk to each other.
- Super Hunters: Even though they’re small, they can catch animals much bigger than them.
- Rough Licks: Their tongues feel rough, just like a cat’s, helping them clean and eat their food.
More animals to discover at our zoo
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