Maned Wolf Pups Born At Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (PHOTO)

By Stephanie Pappas, LiveScience Senior Writer:

A conservation effort to breed rare maned wolves has resulted in four fuzzy bundles of joy in Front Royal, Va.

The litter of pups, born to an 8-year-old mother wolf named Salina and her 4-year-old mate Nopal, is the first at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in two years. The pups are part of an effort to breed these South American wolves under human care. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists maned wolves as "near threatened," due to human activities encroaching on their habitat in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Peru. There are about 20,000 maned wolves left in the wild, and only 20 percent of the animal's habitat remains.

"Every pup born here helps us understand more about the biology of this incredible species," Nucharin Songsasen, an SCBI research biologist, said in a statement announcing the wolves' birth. "SCBI has a long history with the maned wolf, both in terms of studying the biology and maintaining the genetic diversity of individuals living under human care, as well as in conserving the animals in the wild."

Maned wolves are difficult to breed in captivity, likely because of gastrointestinal disorders that plague the species. Nopal and Salina are on a new trial diet that is heavily plant-based, which may better approximate the sort of food maned wolves eat in the wild. SCBI researchers also have learned that maned wolf females must be around a male of their species in order to ovulate.

Salina had her black-haired pups on Jan. 5. They're under close watch by zookeepers, because maned wolf pup mortality is high -- 50 percent die in the first month of life. The birth of the pups brings the SCBI's number of wolves up to 12. [See pictures of the pups]

The pups provide hope for the species' future, as Nopal is a top-tier male when it comes to ensuring genetic diversity in the species.

"To keep a high level of gene diversity, it is important that every genetically valuable individual reproduce," said Melissa Rodden, coordinator of the Maned Wolf Species Survival Plan. "SCBI is leading the research on innovative tools that will help us ensure that that will happen."

You can follow LiveScience senior writer Stephanie Pappas on Twitter @sipappas. Follow LiveScience for the latest in science news and discoveries on Twitter @livescience and on Facebook.

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Comments

[Mandy Fox]

10:45 AM on 02/02/2012

For a second there I thought crazy scientists mixed the genes of a human with a wolf. LOL!

[karen lyons kalmenson]

07:34 AM on 02/02/2012

the spirit of the wolf
lives in the sky
runs on the land
scales mountains
high
it is up to man
to replace what
he has decimated
to extinction this
gift
should never be
relegated

[Brianna Cole]

07:11 AM on 02/02/2012

I think I just seizured from the cuteness of it all...... I need some insulin.....

[Denisehh3]

02:35 AM on 02/02/2012

I'd like one of those cuddly, snuggly, adorable, little wolf pups!

[pjfrostpj]

04:03 AM on 02/02/2012

Wow she was half her mates age. See, it takes a cougar to get things done

[Brianna Cole]

07:10 AM on 02/02/2012

You got that reversed hun. If *she* was the younger one, *she* is not a Cougar. A Cougar is a term for an older *woman* that beds a younger man.

[scottieriz]

01:32 AM on 02/02/2012

So kill the humans and let them have their wilderness back

[Jules Jules]

01:42 AM on 02/02/2012

You mean...re-elect Obama?

[GOODDOC1]

01:58 AM on 02/02/2012

Again, another idiot who just can't help himself from interjecting politics where it doesn't belong. What happened? Did you get lost on your way to the Politics Page? That's probably because it's past your bedtime.

[pjfrostpj]

04:03 AM on 02/02/2012

puke, puke, puke

[Bruce A Savini]

12:22 AM on 02/02/2012

I want one!!!!!!!!!!1

[GOODDOC1]

01:58 AM on 02/02/2012

Me too! I'm sure Furrball wouldn't mind a little brother!

[ranwolf1976]

12:03 AM on 02/02/2012

dawww... can I hold him? 5 minutes, that's all I ask

[carolelowery]

10:57 PM on 02/01/2012

It's nice to read some nice news for a change, lol.

[Dragonstalon]

10:56 PM on 02/01/2012

What good does it do to populate a threatened species, when the most destructive species (Humans) on the planet keep decimating the threatened species natural habitats? Unless the threat of losing "Natural Habitats" is stopped or curtailed, then what is the point other than having more animals in zoo's for "Lookie-Lou's" to go "oh, ahhhhh" while staring at endangered and threatened species's through plate glass at animal's that should be out roaming in the wild, doing what they do best...culling pests (such as Raccoon's) that infest areas we over take with Humanities urban sprawl.

[ranwolf1976]

12:03 AM on 02/02/2012

you're a real downer, you know that?

[Dragonstalon]

02:27 AM on 02/02/2012

Sorry to have brought you down, I was just stating an obvious fact.

[pomeria]

02:14 AM on 02/02/2012

Dragonstalon, I did not know that wolves attack and kill Raccoons. Have never heard of that happening. Nor of coyotes killing Raccoons. Problem with Raccoons is they eat almost anything and have no natural enemies in many of the areas where they are now living. They have been transported by some fool that had one as a pet then turned it loose where they had never lived before. And other fools say you can not kill them. No natural enemies. They attack and kill dogs, cats, squirrels, and birds. The largest dog I saw that had been attacked by raccoons was a Pyrenees. Awful. If they will attack a dog that large, only a matter of time till some small baby or child is attacked. IF I had my way, I would authorize the police to shoot any raccoon that is in the city limits. Raccoons are dangerous.

[Dragonstalon]

02:26 AM on 02/02/2012

Here's a link for you that shows what wolves eat.

http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0212280/eating.htm

[Chad Wheeler]

12:18 PM on 02/06/2012

How long have people been living in close proximity to raccoons, with no serious attacks? And you want to kill all raccoons because somewhere, someday, something MIGHT happen? I am glad you have no influence on wildlife management.....

[JustplayinKoi]

10:30 PM on 02/01/2012

Seeing that little cutie reminds me I have to go to our game preserve, now our own little natural zoo, and see the 4 wolves that arrived last year..

[Deep Thinking Man]

09:52 PM on 02/01/2012

http://pogpog.com/v/wolf-dog-sings-to-a-baby-to-stop-his-cry/

check this !!!!!!

[yamahafg412]

11:26 PM on 02/01/2012

A Wolf in its natural habitat=they run away from humans, they are affraid of humans and will only confront when they have their pups or are threatened

A Wolf Dog (aka-hybrid) is a domesticated "dog" bred with a wolf= a Schitzophrenia animal, the domesticated part of the dog will go to a human, the brain of this animal (part wolf) will run away, which leaves this animal unpredictable. The only time anyone has heard of "wolf dog" in the news, is when it mauls a baby, child, or adult. It is an egotistical bragging right. Dont mess with mother nature. Please do your homework, there has never been a documented case of a wolf attacking a human. A hybrid is the ONLY documentation. Just wanted to set the record straight.

[pomeria]

01:50 AM on 02/02/2012

yamahafg412, Wasn't there a case of a young female singer who was attacked and killed by wolves in Canada just a few years ago? She was out hiking in an area quite well used and others heard her screams, tried to help and called for medical assistance. Help just could not get her to hospital in time.

[GOODDOC1]

02:00 AM on 02/02/2012

There was a teacher killed by wolves in Southeast Alaska within the past three years. It happens, albeit rarely.

[Animal53]

09:43 PM on 02/01/2012

I saw a show where a researcher slowly worked his way into a wolf pack. Not only did the pack accept in him, but they also allowed him to handle their pups. They even started bringing him food from their hunts. It seems that they made him one of their own. They showed a remarkable level of intelligence. I came to greatly respect them even more after watching this.

[jpfmtka]

10:00 PM on 02/01/2012

Wolves are an amazingly social, intelligent and vital element of the necessary balance of life. Predators are always catagorized as the the "bad guys' , when they are only meeting their needs in life. They do not kill for sport, unlike we homo- sapiens.

[yamahafg412]

11:32 PM on 02/01/2012

Also, when hunting for their prey, they take the weakess/sickest down. They keep a balance in the eco system as well....have a good day

[yamahafg412]

11:09 PM on 02/01/2012

Hi Animal53, yes I watched that show also,,, it was incredible,,and so very true. If i remember correctly I think the documentary was shot in the Yellowstone area, or Nevada... In most instants, you have to bond with the Alpha male and female while they are young, at that point you really dont know who will out-rank who for the Alpha position, but when it comes time for pups (usually the early spring) The pups are removed from the pack very young, and bottle fed around the clock by human(s) this gives us time to bond and eventually become part of the pack. It is amazing....

[AMBoss]

09:19 PM on 02/01/2012

Well, if there weren't laws against owning a full-blooded wolf, I would raise them! They are incredibly smart dogs, but the do have a nasty bite!

[jpfmtka]

09:41 PM on 02/01/2012

I respectfully disagree. (Not about the brains and not about the bite) but, despite their resemblance to a malamute or husky, wolves are a wild animal and unsuitable as a domestic pet. Attempts to cross breed wolves with domestic dogs have proven unsuccessful.If you want to support the species, I encourange donations to your environmental group of choice. I belive their is one specifically devoted to wolves.

[Redsky0327]

09:56 PM on 02/01/2012

Whew. Thank you for the voice of reason. Fanned. Not all animals can, or should be, domesticated. They should be out there keeping Nature in balance. I don't want to pet a Wolf, just as I do not want to pet a Tasmanian Devil or a Grizzly bear. I do, however, want them to do their jobs.

[sueb03]

10:06 PM on 02/01/2012

There is a reason it is against the law to own a wolf. Wolves are wild animals and have very different behavior than a dog. They do not do well in captivity where they can be quite dangerous. They are actually afraid of people, have high prey and chase drives and make terrible watch dogs as they don’t bark. Wolf/dog crosses are even worse as they get mixed up instincts that make them unpredictable and often neurotic.

If you love wolves, support the many groups that seek to preserve these magnificent animals in the wild where they belong!

[jpfmtka]

10:39 PM on 02/01/2012

Thanks, I made a similar post. Wolves will never be pets, nor will their offspring from a domestic dog mating. Hoy cow, I have my hands full with my malamute. I endorse your suggestion to contribute to an environmental group devoted to the species. Thanks.

[jpfmtka]

09:02 PM on 02/01/2012

Congratulations and thanks to these folks. My family and I are appreciative of your concern and efforts and we extend our most sincere good wishes and gratitude. Are you supported by any non-profit environmental group we may contribute to? Our big boy malamute l sends his best wooooo...wooooo...woooo to you.

[lambeautundra]

08:47 PM on 02/01/2012

If the maned wolf had been held against a white background we'd be able to see him/her. A black wolf against a black background is ridiculous -- aside from the white gloves holding him/her.