Because maned wolves are shy and don't live in packs, it is difficult for biologists to accurately estimate their numbers in the wild. IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) lists the species as Near Threatened with a population estimate of about 13,000 mature individuals. The United States Fish & Wildlife Service has listed the species as Endangered since 1970. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) lists the maned wolf in Appendix II, meaning that they believe that strict regulation is required to keep them from becoming in danger of extinction. In the countries where the maned wolf is native, the conservation status varies from country to country.
The Maned Wolf SSP® (Species Survival Plan) is a part of the AZA SSP®
program that works to "manage and conserve a select and typically threatened or endangered, ex situ species population with the cooperation of AZA-accredited Zoos & Aquariums, certified related facilities, and approved non-member participants." According to the National Zoo, the SSPs® work to "research captive husbandry issues, develop educational programs to alert the public to conservation threats, and work with governmental organizations and wildlife biologists in the species' range countries to initiate conservation programs."
There are currently between 80 and 90 maned wolves in captivity in the United States at 29 different institutions. The MWSSP® has made recommendations for 16 pairs of these wolves to breed this 2010/2011 season. These recommendations are based on the need to maintain a genetically healthy captive U.S. population with a gene diversity above 90%. If it falls below 90%, reproductive health may suffer. Gene diversity is currently at 92.7%. To help maintain this diversity, the MWSSP® will be importing some maned wolves from Brazilian zoos.
Breeding maned wolves in captivity has proven challenging. Researchers are trying to determine if stress or poor nutrition could be a factor. Solutions to these obstacles are a high priority. The Natural Science Center & Animal Discovery of Greensboro hopes that by exceeding the minimum standards in the living space and husbandry for these animals, we can contribute to the conservation of this species.
Breeding maned wolves in captivity has proven challenging. Researchers are trying to determine if stress or poor nutrition could be a factor. Solutions to these obstacles are a high priority. The Natural Science Center & Animal Discovery of Greensboro hopes that by exceeding the minimum standards in the living space and husbandry for these animals, we can contribute to the conservation of this species.
