Brazil Based on physical characteristics and genes, experts determined that the first hybrid individual had a mother who was a South American prairie fox and a father who was a domestic dog.
Hybrid between a South American prairie fox and a domestic dog. Video : IFL Science
Researchers have documented the first case of hybridization between a South American prairie fox ( Lycalopex gymnocercus ) and a domestic dog, IFL Science reported on September 15. The new study was published in the journal Animals.
In 2021, a female was brought to the Wildlife Conservation and Rehabilitation Center at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) after being hit by a car. With an unusual appearance and characteristics similar to both domestic and wild dogs, the team of experts decided to investigate the genetic characteristics of this individual to learn more.
There are four wild canid species in Rio Grande do Sul that may have contributed to the hybrid. The first, the bush dog ( Speothos venaticus ), does not occur in the area where the hybrid was found. This leaves three species in question: the maned wolf ( Chrysocyon brachyurus ), the crab-eating fox ( Cerdocyon thous ), and the prairie fox.
The maned wolf was also ruled out because it is the largest canid in South America, and its shape and size do not match the appearance of the hybrid. The other two species are quite similar in overall appearance, but their fur is grayer, while the hybrid has dark black fur with some white streaks.
The team conducted a genetic analysis of the hybrid, comparing it with wild canids and domestic dogs. They found that it had 76 chromosomes, while domestic dogs had 78 and prairie foxes had 74. Thus, the hybrid between these two species produced offspring with 76 chromosomes. The genetic analysis also showed that the prairie fox and domestic dog likely produced the hybrid. Specifically, the prairie fox was the mother and the father was a domestic dog of unknown breed.
"The animal is amazing and is actually a cross between a prairie fox and a dog. It has a shy and cautious personality, usually preferring to stay away from people. I believe that during its hospitalization it began to feel safer," said Flávia Ferrari, a conservationist who has cared for the hybrid.
The fox-dog hybrid made a full recovery and was transferred to the Mantenedouro São Braz conservation center in the city of Santa Maria. It died this year, and the cause is still unknown. The team said more research is needed to assess the frequency of hybridization and its impact on wild prairie fox populations.
Thu Thao (According to IFL Science )
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