CRANIOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS IN MANED WOLVES Chrysocyon brachyurus ILLIGER, 1815 (CARNIVORA, CANIDAE)

Abstract The aim of this study was to obtain craniometric measures in adult Chrysocyon brachyurus skulls, establish craniometric values for the species, and determine if the craniometric classification of domestic dogs is suitable for the maned wolf. Seven skulls of adult maned wolves were used, with no gender distinction. Nine craniometric points used in domestic dogs were used for the maned wolf. The points served as reference to 18 craniometric measurements used subsequently to calculate six skull indices. Craniometric indeces were: cefalic 96.147 ± 3.89 mm, craniofacial 1.06 ± 0.20 mm, neurocranium 61.68 mm ± 1.83, facial 100.06 ± 3.36 mm, basal 29.79 ± 1.18 mm, and foramen magnum index of 89.25 ± 7.82 mm. The usual classification in brachicephalic, dolichocephalic, and mesaticephalic is not valid for Chrysocyon brachyurus.