PremieRpet Funds New Research to Support Maned Wolf Conservation in Brazil
Brazilian pet food manufacturer PremieRpet has partnered with wildlife conservation organisation Onçafari to fund a 12-month research project aimed at improving understanding and protection of the maned wolf, one of South America’s most distinctive wild canids.
Announced on October 16, the partnership includes an investment of R$150,000 to support scientific research in Brazil’s Cerrado, a vast tropical savanna known for its rich biodiversity. The project will build on years of wildlife monitoring data to examine the species’ behaviour, movement patterns and habitat requirements.
Understanding the Maned Wolf
Despite its name and fox-like appearance, the maned wolf is neither a true wolf nor a fox. It is the largest wild canid in South America, recognisable by its long legs, reddish coat and dark mane. The species is classified as Vulnerable on Brazil’s national list of threatened species and Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.
Onçafari has monitored maned wolves at Fazenda Trijunção, in the Cerrado region, since 2018. Researchers will use the information gathered through this long-term programme to investigate how the animals’ home ranges vary according to season, sex and stage of life. Understanding how the wolves use both natural habitats and agricultural landscapes could help conservation teams identify their needs and the challenges they face as environments change.
Research Extends Beyond Animal Movement
The project will also examine biological samples for Giardia, a parasite that can affect wildlife, domestic animals and people. This aspect of the study may help researchers better understand potential health concerns at the intersection of wildlife, livestock, pets and human communities.
In addition, the team is establishing a bank of faecal samples that can support future scientific investigations. Findings from the research are expected to be shared through scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences.
A Role for Businesses in Wildlife Protection
For PremieRpet, the partnership expands its involvement in animal welfare beyond the pet food market. The company has previously supported conservation initiatives with Onçafari, including programmes focused on Brazilian wildlife and natural habitats.
The collaboration also highlights how private-sector funding can help conservation organisations sustain long-term research. While a single project cannot resolve every threat facing the maned wolf, reliable data can provide an important foundation for more informed protection strategies.
As researchers continue their work in the Cerrado, the partnership is expected to contribute additional knowledge about a species whose survival is closely linked to the health of its surrounding ecosystem.