Rare record shows female maned wolf with three cubs at an ecological station in the interior of SP

A female maned wolf with 3 cubs was spotted at the Barreiro Rico Ecological Station, in Anhembi (SP). The record confirms the active reproduction of the species in the area.

The reserve has not recorded fires since 2018. According to the Forestry Foundation, more than 10 maned wolves have been spotted in the unit since 2020.

The maned wolf is the largest canid in South America and has solitary habits. The record of the female with her cubs is considered rare.

The station functions as a refuge surrounded by agricultural crops. Since 2018, joint actions to combat fires have been intensified to protect local species.

A female maned wolf accompanied by three cubs was spotted walking through the Barreiro Rico Ecological Station area, located in Anhembi (SP), between the Piracicaba and Tietê rivers.

The reserve is part of a protected region that, according to data from the Fundação Florestal, linked to the Secretariat of Environment, Infrastructure and Logistics of the State of São Paulo (Semil), has not recorded outbreaks of forest fires since 2018.

According to the Forestry Foundation, records of the animal have been growing in the area. Since 2020, more than ten maned wolves have been spotted in different parts of the unit.

Considered the largest canid in South America, the maned wolf has long legs, a narrow snout and reddish fur, physical traits adapted to movement through fields and savannas.

The species has predominantly solitary habits, aloof behavior and tends to travel long distances in search of food and refuge. Because of these characteristics, the record of a female accompanied by three cubs is considered rare and confirms the active reproduction of the species in the locality.

The Barreiro Rico Ecological Station, classified as an integral protection unit, has just under 300 hectares, while the neighboring Environmental Protection Area (APA), aimed at sustainable use, totals more than 30 thousand hectares.

The complex covers territories in the municipalities of Anhembi, Botucatu, Piracicaba and São Pedro (SP). The green belt functions as a refuge for fauna and flora amid a predominantly agricultural landscape, marked by sugarcane, eucalyptus, citrus and cassava crops, as well as pastures and riparian forests.

According to the unit manager, João Marcelo, combating and preventing fires are crucial for the survival of local species. Since 2018, joint actions between public authorities, the private sector, brigadistas and rural landowners have been intensified through rounds and awareness campaigns.

"Thanks to the efforts of the Forestry Foundation and the integrated work with the network of brigades, we are celebrating the octennium, eight years without forest fires in the area. The last record occurred in 2018, while the most devastating episode was in 2012", highlighted the manager.