Status and distribution of Paraguayan canids

Abstract

Four species of canids have long been documented in Paraguay, but we have learnt little about their ecology in the country since the works of Azara and Rengger in the early 19th Century. This paper collates specimen and literature data about this group to act as a basis for the stimulation of future research, reviewing canid specimens in all the major Paraguayan collec-tions and all significant specimens in international collections. Data are presented in a hierarchical manner, with examined specimens, non-examined specimens, literature records, photographic records, reliable sight records distinguished, and a distribution map provided for each species. The vast majority of canid specimens were collected at least 35 years ago and the majority are from the Chaco region, with the Oriental region (east of the Paraguay River) extremely poorly sampled. Data suggests that two species (Cerdocyon thous and Chrysocyon brachyurus) are widespread in both regions of the country, and one species (Speothos venaticus) has an extremely restricted distribution. The remaining species (Lycalopex gymnocercus) has long been claimed to be widespread in both regions of the country, but although the species is widespread throughout the Chaco region, I was unable to find any documented evidence of the species in the Oriental region of Paraguay beyond a single photographic record from Isla Yacyretá in the Paraná River. I suggest that further investigation is required to confirm the true extent of this species’ distribution in Paraguay.