Get to know the maned wolf, one of the rare and endangered animals at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Meet more extraordinary animals by streaming all 18 episodes of Wild Inside the National Zoo - http://bit.ly/2Te4Lua | Smithsonian Channel Aviation Nation

Dr. Nucharin Songsasen of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute recently filmed several short videos from her field work in São Paulo State, Brazil. Along with her Brazilian colleagues (including Dr. Rogerio de Paula of ICMBio), Dr. Songsasen is studying the impact of human activities on the ecology, behavior, health and reproduction of wild maned wolves. In this video, she shares a snapshot of their work. Check back tomorrow for a behind the scenes video Dr. Songsase

The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is a unique canid native to South America. Despite its name and appearance, it is neither a true wolf nor a fox. The maned wolf has long, slender legs that help it navigate through tall grasslands, a reddish-brown coat, large erect ears, and a distinctive black mane along its neck and back that stands up when it feels threatened or is trying to communicate. This species is solitary by nature and primarily nocturnal. It is omnivorous, with a diet that includ