Short-eared dog

The Short-eared Dog (Atelocynus microtis) is a rare animal. The very first biologists that studied them found that capturing them was easy, this was in 1969, but from that year, these dogs seemed to just vanish into thin air. Then, sightings resumed in the late 80s ('87 to be exact).

This last decade, it seems as if the Short-eared Dog's population is increasing, as manifested by sightings at Ecuador and Peru. Short-eared Dogs have been discovered in Colombia and Bolivia, and some experts said they were in Venezuela too, but that was just speculation.

In 2000, there was a study done at Cocha Cashu, experts/biologists monitored 5 members of these dogs, and they projected a density of 1 member per 2 square kilometer. Still, too little is known to conclusively peg down the rest of its kind's range, and as far as the carnivores are concerned, the Short-eared Dog remains very seldom-seen.

They are known to inhabit lowland areas, this includes terra firme forests, bamboo areas and if reports are accurate, they can swim. Fact is, so much crucial data on ecology, pathology and biology are missing as far as these animals are concerned.

Interesting factThe sighting documented at the highest elevation was at the Ecuadorean Andes and was at 1200 meters