Maned wolves are solitary canids facing habitat loss, road kills, and persecution in Brazils rapidly shrinking Cerrado biome.
Road mortality is a leading cause of injury and death, with animals suffering from vehicle strikes. Mange infestations in isolated populations cause intense itching, hair loss, and secondary infections. Persecution through poisoning and trapping causes prolonged suffering. Habitat fragmentation forces animals into closer contact with humans and domestic dogs carrying disease.