a big and wild animal from the same family as dogs that hunts for food in groups
The wolf is a highly adaptable and social carnivorous mammal, known for its sleek appearance, keen senses, and complex social structure. Wolves are members of the Canidae family and are typically characterized by their bushy tails, sharp ears, and piercing eyes. They have a lean body with a double coat of fur that can vary in color from gray to black, white, or brown, depending on the species and location. Wolves are highly skilled predators, with exceptional speed, agility, and endurance, making them formidable hunters. They are known for their strong pack bonds and cooperative hunting strategies, often working together to bring down large prey. Wolves have a sophisticated communication system that includes vocalizations, body postures, and scent marking. They are also known for their intelligence and adaptability, allowing them to thrive in diverse habitats across the Northern Hemisphere. Wolves have a rich cultural significance, often portrayed as symbols of wilderness, loyalty, and cunning, and they play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance as top predators.
/ɡɹˈeɪ wˈʊlf/
a highly social and adaptable carnivorous mammal, known for its sleek appearance, cooperative hunting behavior, and cultural significance
The gray wolf, scientifically known as Canis lupus, is a large and highly adaptable mammal that belongs to the Canidae family. Gray wolves have a distinctive appearance, with a lean and muscular body, bushy tail, sharp ears, and keen eyesight. They have a thick coat of fur that can vary in color from gray to brown, black, or white, depending on the geographical location and season. Gray wolves are known for their social behavior, living in tight-knit family groups called packs, where they cooperate in hunting, raising young, and defending their territory. They are skilled predators, with exceptional senses of smell, hearing, and sight, and are capable of bringing down large prey. Gray wolves have a complex communication system that includes vocalizations, body postures, and scent marking. They have a wide distribution, inhabiting various ecosystems from forests to tundras, and have played a significant role in human culture, mythology, and conservation efforts. Gray wolves are iconic animals, representing the wildness and beauty of nature, while also being a symbol of strength, loyalty, and resilience.
Grammatical Information:
/mˈeɪnd wˈʊlf/
a unique and elusive large canid species native to South America, known for its distinctive appearance
The maned wolf is a fascinating and distinctive canid species that is native to South America. It has a fox-like appearance, with a slender body, long legs, and a relatively short coat of fur that can vary in color from reddish-brown to golden-yellow. One of its most unique features is the mane-like band of long fur along its back, which can be raised to make the animal appear larger when threatened. Despite its name, the maned wolf is not closely related to wolves and is actually the only species in its genus, Chrysocyon. Unlike many other canids, the maned wolf is primarily herbivorous, with a diet that consists mainly of fruits, vegetables, and small mammals occasionally. They are also known for their keen senses of smell and hearing, which aid them in locating food in their grassland and forest habitats. Maned wolves are typically solitary animals, and they have a relatively low population density, making them elusive and challenging to study in the wild. They are classified as a "near threatened" species due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and human encroachment on their natural habitat, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect this unique and captivating canid species.
Grammatical Information:
/ˈɑːɹktɪk wˈʊlf/
a subspecies of the gray wolf adapted to survive in the harsh Arctic regions of North America
The Arctic wolf, a subspecies of the gray wolf, is a magnificent and highly adapted canid that inhabits the extreme northern regions of North America. Its most notable feature is its thick, white fur, which helps it blend seamlessly with the snowy landscape of the Arctic. This subspecies has a stocky build, with shorter legs and a broader body, which enables it to navigate through the challenging terrain and endure the harsh climate. Arctic wolves are skilled hunters, preying on a variety of Arctic mammals, such as musk oxen, caribou, and Arctic hares, and they are known for their exceptional teamwork and cooperation in hunting strategies. They are highly adapted to the harsh Arctic environment, with specialized adaptations such as a keen sense of smell, excellent hearing, and well-developed stamina. Arctic wolves are also known for their ability to withstand extreme cold temperatures and long periods of food scarcity. Due to their remote and inhospitable habitat, Arctic wolves are less studied compared to other wolf species, adding to their air of mystery and allure.
Grammatical Information:
/ˈiːstərn wʊlf/
a medium-sized subspecies of the gray wolf found in eastern Canada, with a grayish-brown coat and black and white markings.
The eastern wolf, also known as the Algonquin wolf, is a fascinating and elusive canid that is found in the eastern regions of North America. It has a unique genetic ancestry, with a mix of gray wolf, eastern coyote, and possibly other canid species. Eastern wolves are typically intermediate in size between gray wolves and coyotes, with a slender body and a varied coat coloration that can range from grayish-brown to reddish-brown. They have adapted to diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and mixed landscapes, and are known for their ability to thrive in human-altered landscapes. Eastern wolves are opportunistic hunters, preying on a wide range of mammals, such as white-tailed deer, beavers, and small rodents. They are known for their elusive nature, often avoiding human contact, which makes them challenging to study in the wild. Eastern wolves are considered a species of special concern in many regions due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and human-wildlife conflicts, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect this unique and genetically diverse canid species.
Grammatical Information:
/ˌiːθiˈoʊpiən wʊlf/
The Ethiopian wolf is a slender canid with a reddish-brown coat, white markings, long legs, and a long, narrow snout. It is found only in the highlands of Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian wolf, also known as the Abyssinian wolf or Simien fox, is a rare and unique canid species found in the highlands of Ethiopia, known for its striking appearance, social behavior, and specialized diet. It has a slender build with a distinctive red coat, long legs, and a pointed muzzle. Ethiopian wolves are highly social animals, living in tight-knit family groups known as packs. They are known for their cooperative hunting behavior, working together to catch small mammals, such as rodents and mole rats, which make up the majority of their diet. Ethiopian wolves are also specialized for their high-altitude habitat, with adaptations such as an elongated skull and limbs, which allow them to effectively hunt in the rocky terrain of the Ethiopian highlands. However, Ethiopian wolves face numerous threats, including habitat loss, disease, and human-wildlife conflict, making them endangered and in need of conservation efforts to ensure their survival.
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a small to medium-sized carnivorous mammal with a pointed muzzle and bushy tail, often have reddish-brown fur and are known for being clever and adaptable
The fox is a fascinating and adaptable mammal that is found in various habitats across the world. With its slender body, pointed muzzle, and large, erect ears, the fox has a distinct and captivating appearance. Its most iconic feature is its bushy tail, known as a "brush" or "brushy tail," which can be long and fluffy, and serves various purposes such as balance, communication, and warmth. Foxes are known for their exceptional hunting skills, preying on a wide range of small mammals, birds, insects, and even fruits. They are also known for their ability to adapt to different environments, from forests to grasslands, deserts to urban areas. Foxes exhibit a wide range of behaviors, including social interactions, territorial marking, and communication through vocalizations and body language. They are known for their cunning and resourceful nature, making them successful predators and survivors in the wild. Foxes are also revered in folklore and mythology across cultures, often associated with traits such as cleverness, adaptability, and slyness.
/ɹˈɛd fˈɑːks/
a medium-sized mammal of the Canidae family, known for its distinctive red fur, bushy tail, and adaptability to a wide range of habitats
The red fox, scientifically known as Vulpes vulpes, is a fascinating and versatile mammal that is found across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. It has a slender body with a distinctive reddish-orange fur coat, large ears, and a bushy tail with a white tip. Red foxes are known for their adaptability, able to thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and even urban areas. They are opportunistic hunters, feeding on a diverse diet of small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and even scavenging on carrion. Red foxes are also known for their keen senses, agility, and speed, making them skilled predators. They exhibit a wide range of behaviors, including territorial marking, social interactions, and vocalizations, and are known for their ability to communicate through a series of barks, screams, and body language. Red foxes hold a prominent place in folklore and mythology, often associated with cunningness, adaptability, and survival skills.
Grammatical Information:
/ɡɹˈeɪ fˈɑːks/
a medium-sized mammal of the Canidae family, known for its unique appearance
The gray fox, scientifically known as Urocyon cinereoargenteus, is a captivating mammal found in North and Central America. It has a slender body covered in thick, soft fur that is typically gray, with hints of red and brown. One of its most distinguishing features is its unique black markings on its face, including a black stripe running from its nose to its forehead, black patches on its ears, and a black-tipped tail. Gray foxes are known for their adaptability to various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and desert regions. They are omnivorous, feeding on a diverse diet that includes small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and even plant matter. Gray foxes are known for their agility and climbing abilities, being the only member of the Canidae family that can climb trees. They are also known for their solitary nature, although they can form pairs during the breeding season. Gray foxes communicate through vocalizations, body language, and scent marking. They hold a special place in folklore and mythology, often associated with mystery, stealth, and cunningness.
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/tɪˈbetn fɑːks/
a small, wild canid found in the high Tibetan Plateau, with a coat that ranges from reddish-brown to grey and white.
The Tibetan fox, scientifically known as Vulpes ferrilata, is a unique and elusive mammal found in the high-altitude regions of Tibet, China, and parts of Central Asia. It has a distinctive appearance with a compact body, short legs, and a bushy tail. Its fur is usually light gray or sandy brown, with a white throat and belly, and a distinctive black stripe running along its back. Tibetan foxes are known for their remarkable adaptations to living in extreme environments, including their ability to withstand harsh cold temperatures and high altitudes. They are opportunistic hunters, feeding on a diet that includes small mammals, birds, insects, and plant material. Tibetan foxes are solitary creatures, known for their elusive and cautious nature. They are known to have a unique vocalization, described as a high-pitched bark or scream. Tibetan foxes are highly adapted to their challenging habitat and hold a special place in the ecosystems of the Tibetan Plateau, known for their resilience and adaptability to the extreme conditions of their environment.
Grammatical Information:
/kɹˈæbˈiːɾɪŋ fˈɑːks/
a medium-sized canid found in Central and South America, known for its omnivorous diet that includes crabs
The crab-eating fox, also known as the forest fox or the common zorro, is a fascinating mammal with a unique appearance. It has a slender body covered in a thick coat of fur, which can vary in color from reddish-brown to grayish-brown, with a white throat and belly. Its large, pointy ears and long bushy tail are notable features. The name "crab-eating fox" comes from its unique feeding behavior, as it feeds on a wide variety of food including crabs, small mammals, fruits, insects, and even carrion. It is known for its adaptability to various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The crab-eating fox is primarily a solitary creature, and it is known to be active during the night, using its keen sense of smell and hearing to locate its prey. It has a unique vocalization, including a series of barks and howls. The crab-eating fox is found in Central and South America, from Mexico to Argentina, and plays a significant role in the ecosystems it inhabits as a predator and scavenger.
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/kˈɪt fˈɑːks/
a small fox species found in North America, known for its small size, large ears, and distinctive appearance
The kit fox is a small, agile fox species that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has a unique appearance characterized by its small size, typically weighing between 3 to 6 pounds, and its large ears that are proportionally larger compared to its body size. Its fur color can vary from yellowish-gray to light tan, with a white belly and throat. The kit fox is highly adapted to living in arid regions, such as deserts and grasslands, and has specialized adaptations to conserve water, including its ability to obtain most of its water from its food. It is primarily a nocturnal animal, known for its keen sense of smell and hearing, as well as its ability to run at high speeds and dig burrows for shelter. The kit fox is a skilled hunter, feeding on a diet that includes small mammals, insects, and plants. It is also known to be a good climber and jumper, allowing it to navigate its natural habitat with ease. The kit fox plays an important role in the ecosystems it inhabits as a predator, helping to regulate populations of small mammals and contributing to the overall balance of the ecosystem.
Grammatical Information:
/ˈfɛnɪk fɑːks/
a small nocturnal fox found in the Sahara Desert of North Africa. It has distinctive large ears, which serve to dissipate heat and aid in hunting prey in the dark
The fennec fox, scientifically known as Vulpes zerda, is a small fox species known for its distinctively large ears, adorable appearance, and unique adaptations to desert environments. It is the smallest species of fox, weighing only 2 to 3 pounds on average. The fennec fox has a creamy or light tan coat with large, dark eyes and a black-tipped fluffy tail. Its most notable feature is its large ears, which can measure up to 6 inches in length and help dissipate heat in its desert habitat. The fennec fox is highly adapted to living in arid regions, including the Sahara Desert, where it can withstand extreme temperatures and water scarcity. It is primarily a nocturnal animal, known for its keen senses of sight and hearing, which help it locate food, including insects, small mammals, and plant material. The fennec fox is also an expert digger, using its sharp claws to create burrows in the sand for shelter from the heat and predators. Its unique adaptations and adorable appearance make it a popular animal in the exotic pet trade, although it is important to note that they are wild animals and are best suited for their natural desert habitats.
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/ˈkɔːsæk fɑːks/
a small, wild canid found in the steppes and deserts of central Asia and parts of Eastern Europe. It has a yellowish-grey coat and a bushy tail with a black tip.
The corsac fox, scientifically known as Vulpes corsac, is a small fox species that is native to the grasslands and deserts of Central Asia. It has a distinctive appearance with a dense, fluffy coat that changes color with the seasons, ranging from light gray to golden-yellow. The corsac fox has a rounded face with large, upright ears that help it detect sounds and regulate its body temperature. It has a slender body with long limbs, making it well adapted for running and hunting in its natural habitat. The corsac fox is primarily a nocturnal animal, known for its keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing, which it uses to locate prey, including small mammals, insects, and birds. It is also known to scavenge and has been observed eating fruits and plants when food is scarce. The corsac fox is a solitary animal and typically makes its den in burrows, often reusing the burrows of other animals. It plays an important role in its ecosystem as a predator, helping to control populations of small mammals and contributing to the balance of its grassland and desert habitats.
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/keɪp fɑːks/
a small, wild canid found in southern Africa, with a reddish-brown coat and black-tipped ears
The Cape fox, scientifically known as Vulpes chama, is a small fox species native to southern Africa. It has a distinctive appearance with a reddish-brown to grayish-brown coat and a long bushy tail. The Cape fox has a slender body with short legs and a pointed snout, giving it a fox-like appearance. Its ears are large and upright, helping it to detect sounds and regulate its body temperature. The Cape fox is primarily a nocturnal animal, known for its keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing, which it uses to locate prey, including small mammals, insects, and birds. It is also known to scavenge and has been observed eating fruits and plants when food is scarce. The Cape fox is a solitary animal and typically makes its den in burrows, often reusing the burrows of other animals. It is well adapted to its arid and semi-arid habitats and can survive in a wide range of environments, including deserts, savannas, and shrublands. The Cape fox plays an important role in its ecosystem as a predator, helping to control populations of small mammals and contributing to the balance of its habitats in southern Africa.
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/sˈɪlvɚ fˈɑːks/
a melanistic color morph of the red fox, characterized by its dark charcoal or black coat color
The silver fox is a unique color morph of the red fox, exhibiting a striking dark charcoal or black coat color that sets it apart from the typical reddish-brown coloration of its non-melanistic counterparts. The silver fox has a slender body with a bushy tail, large ears, and a pointed snout. It has keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing, which it uses to locate prey, including small mammals, birds, and insects. The silver fox is a solitary and highly adaptable animal that can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and tundras. It is known for its ability to survive in various environments and has been domesticated for fur farming purposes. The silver fox plays a role in its ecosystem as a predator, helping to control populations of small mammals and contributing to the balance of its natural habitats.
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/ˈhɔːri fɑːks/
a small, wild canid found in parts of South America, including Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It has a distinctive grayish-white coat and black-tipped tail.
The hoary fox, scientifically known as Lycalopex vetulus, is a small fox species native to South America. It has a distinctive appearance with a dense and soft coat that varies in color from gray to light brown, giving it a hoary or frosted appearance. The hoary fox has a slender body with a bushy tail, large ears, and a pointed snout. It is known for its agility and speed, and is primarily a solitary and nocturnal animal. The hoary fox feeds on a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, insects, and fruits. It is also known to scavenge and has been observed eating carrion and human food in some areas. The hoary fox is well adapted to its habitats, which include savannas, grasslands, and shrublands, and it can also be found in human-modified landscapes such as agricultural areas. The hoary fox plays a role in its ecosystem as a predator, helping to control populations of small mammals and contributing to the balance of its natural habitats in South America.
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a mid-sized canine that hunts in packs, usually found in Africa and Southern Asia
The jackal is a medium-sized carnivorous mammal belonging to the Canidae family. Jackals are known for their slender bodies, long legs, and bushy tails. They have a distinctively pointed muzzle, large ears, and a keen sense of smell, sight, and hearing. Jackals are known for their adaptability and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, savannas, and forests. They are primarily nocturnal animals, and their diet consists of a wide variety of food items, including small mammals, birds, insects, and fruits. Jackals are highly social animals, typically living in small groups or pairs, and they communicate with each other through vocalizations and body language. There are three species of jackals: the golden jackal (Canis aureus), the black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas), and the side-striped jackal (Canis adustus), each with its own unique characteristics and distribution range. Jackals play an important ecological role as predators, helping to control populations of prey species and contributing to the balance of ecosystems in their respective habitats.
a highly social and endangered species of wild canid known for its distinctive reddish coat, native to parts of Asia
The dhole, or the Asiatic wild dog, is a fascinating and unique species of canid. Dholes are known for their striking reddish fur, bushy tails, and slender bodies. They have distinctive white patches on their chest, throat, and underbelly, which serve as markers for communication within their social groups. Dholes are highly social animals, living in tight-knit packs that work together in coordinated hunting efforts. They are renowned for their exceptional teamwork and cooperation, using sophisticated communication and hunting strategies to bring down prey much larger than themselves. Dholes are also known for their agility and endurance, making them formidable predators in their native habitats, which include dense forests, grasslands, and mountainous regions in parts of Asia. However, dholes are currently listed as endangered, with their populations declining due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and human encroachment. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and conserve these remarkable wild dogs and their unique social behaviors.
a wild dog with a tan or reddish coat that is found in Australia
The dingo is a type of wild dog native to Australia. Dingoes are medium-sized canids with a lean and muscular build. They have a distinctive appearance with a short coat that comes in various colors, including sandy yellow, reddish-brown, and black. Dingoes have a prominent muzzle, erect ears, and a bushy tail. They are known for their agility, speed, and adaptability to different habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and forests. Dingoes are highly skilled hunters, preying on a wide range of animals, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are also known for their ability to survive in harsh and challenging environments with limited access to water. Dingoes are considered a keystone species in the Australian ecosystem, playing an important role in regulating prey populations and ecosystem dynamics.
a North American wild animal that resembles a small wolf
The coyote is a species of wild canine native to North America. Coyotes are known for their adaptability and versatility, and they are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and urban areas. They have a distinctive appearance, with a slender body, pointed ears, and a bushy tail. Coyotes have a thick coat that comes in various colors, ranging from gray to tan, with a mottled or patchy pattern. They are known for their keen senses, including excellent vision, hearing, and smell, which aid them in their hunting and survival skills. Coyotes are opportunistic hunters, preying on a wide range of animals, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. They are also known for their ability to scavenge and adapt to human-dominated landscapes, making them a common sight in many urban areas in North America.
/kʊlˈpeɪəʊ/
a medium-sized wild canid found in South America, ranging from the Andes Mountains down to the southern tip of the continent. It has a reddish-brown coat and a distinctive black-tipped tail
The culpeo, also known as the Andean fox or Andean wolf, is a species of fox found in South America, particularly in the Andean regions of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. The culpeo is the largest fox species in South America, with a distinctive appearance characterized by a reddish-brown coat, a bushy tail, and a long, pointed snout. They have a slender body and are known for their adaptability and ability to thrive in diverse habitats, including grasslands, forests, and mountains. Culpeos are opportunistic hunters, preying on a variety of animals such as rodents, birds, and insects. They are also known to scavenge and have a solitary or semi-solitary lifestyle. Culpeos play an important ecological role in their ecosystems as top predators, helping to control populations of prey species. However, like many other wild canids, culpeos face threats such as habitat loss, hunting, and human-wildlife conflicts. Conservation efforts are underway to protect culpeo populations and their habitats.
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/ɹækˈuːn dˈɑːɡ/
a small, wild canine species native to East Asia, known for its distinctive appearance resembling a raccoon, with a stocky body, bushy tail, and masked facial markings
The raccoon dog, also known as the tanuki or mangut, is a small to medium-sized wild canine species found in East Asia. They have a unique appearance, resembling a raccoon with a stocky body, short legs, and a bushy tail. Their fur is dense and typically has a mix of colors, including gray, brown, and black. The raccoon dog's face is marked with distinctive black mask-like markings around their eyes. They are known for their adaptability and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and farmlands. Raccoon dogs are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on a wide range of food including small mammals, birds, fish, insects, fruits, and vegetables. They are also known for their hibernation-like torpor during the winter months.
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/ʃɔːrtˈɪəd dɒːɡ/
a wild canid found in South America. It is known for its distinctive physical features, including its short, round ears and dark brown fur.
The short-eared dog, also known as the short-eared zorro or small-eared dog, is a unique and elusive species of wild dog native to South America. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with short ears, a long and slender body, and a thick, bushy tail. Their fur is typically dark brown to black, and they have a dense coat that helps them navigate their rainforest habitat. Short-eared dogs are skilled hunters, preying on a variety of small mammals, birds, and insects. They are also known for their excellent sense of smell and hearing, which helps them locate prey in their dense forest environment. Short-eared dogs are primarily solitary and elusive, making them difficult to study in the wild. They are considered a near-threatened species due to habitat loss and hunting, and conservation efforts are underway to protect their populations and habitats.
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/bʊʃ dɒːɡ/
a small, wild canid found in Central and South America. It is known for its distinctive bushy tail and reddish-brown fur.
The bush dog is a small, elusive species of wild dog that is native to Central and South America. They are known for their unique appearance, with a stocky build, short legs, and a dense, dark brown coat. Bush dogs have short, rounded ears and a short, bushy tail. They are highly social animals that live in packs and are known for their cooperative hunting behaviors. They primarily hunt small mammals, such as rodents and pacas, as well as birds and amphibians. Bush dogs are well-adapted to life in dense rainforest habitats and are excellent swimmers, often hunting in aquatic environments. They are considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and fragmentation, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect their populations and habitats.
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a nocturnal wild mammal that eats the remains of the flesh of other animals and makes a sound like laughter
Hyenas are large, carnivorous mammals known for their distinctive appearance and behaviors. They have a sturdy build, with a thick neck, strong jaws, and a sloping back. Hyenas have a unique front-heavy appearance, with shorter hind legs and a prominent mane-like fur on their neck. They have a coarse, spotted fur coat that can vary in color, usually ranging from sandy brown to gray. Hyenas are known for their scavenging behaviors, but they are also skilled hunters and can bring down prey larger than themselves. They have powerful jaws and sharp teeth that allow them to crack open bones to access the marrow inside. Hyenas are highly social animals that live in groups called clans, led by a dominant female known as the matriarch.
/bɹˈaʊn haɪˈiːnə/
a carnivorous mammal native to Africa, known for its distinct appearance and scavenging behaviors
The brown hyena is a unique and elusive species of hyena found in various habitats across southern Africa. They have a shaggy coat that ranges in color from sandy brown to dark brown, which helps them blend into their surroundings. Brown hyenas have a stocky build, with a sloping back, short legs, and a rounded head with large ears. They are known for their powerful jaws, sharp teeth, and strong bite, which allow them to crack open bones and access the marrow inside. Brown hyenas are primarily scavengers, feeding on carrion and leftovers from other predators, but they are also capable hunters, preying on small mammals and reptiles. They have excellent senses of smell and hearing, which aid them in locating food. Brown hyenas are solitary or live in small groups, and they have complex social behaviors and communication. They are known for their shy and elusive nature, making them challenging to study in the wild. Brown hyenas are classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, persecution, and human-wildlife conflicts.
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/stɹˈaɪpt haɪˈiːnə/
a carnivorous mammal found in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, characterized by its distinctive striped coat, powerful build, and scavenging behaviors
The striped hyena is a fascinating and often misunderstood animal. It has a distinctive appearance, with a long, shaggy coat that features alternating dark and light stripes running across its body. The coat coloration helps it blend into its surroundings and provides excellent camouflage in the grasslands and savannahs where it typically resides. Striped hyenas have a powerful build, with a sturdy frame, relatively short legs, and a sloping back. They have a large head with a blunt snout, a bushy tail, and prominent ears. Their most notable feature is their strong jaw and sharp teeth, which they use for cracking open bones to access the marrow inside.
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/spˈɑːɾᵻd haɪˈiːnə/
a large, carnivorous mammal known for its distinctive spotted coat, powerful build, and complex social structure
The spotted hyena is a highly adaptable and intelligent animal with a unique appearance. It has a compact, muscular body with a sloping back, powerful legs, and a distinctive spotted coat that ranges in color from light brown to gray. Spotted hyenas have a large head with a robust jaw and sharp teeth used for crushing bones. They have keen senses of smell and hearing, which help them locate food and communicate with their clan members. Spotted hyenas are known for their social structure, which is organized in a matriarchal society, with females holding the dominant roles. They live in close-knit clans and have complex social interactions, communication, and hunting strategies.
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/æfɹɪkən waɪld dɑːɡ/
a canid found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is characterized by its unique coat pattern, which consists of patches of black, white, and brown.
The African wild dog is a highly social and cooperative carnivorous mammal with a unique coat pattern resembling a painter's brush strokes. They live in organized packs, known for their teamwork, communication, and exceptional hunting skills. With a lean body, long legs, and large ears, they are efficient and relentless hunters, primarily targeting small to medium-sized ungulates. Known for their exceptional speed and high hunting success rate, African wild dogs are a fascinating species with complex social behaviors and unique physical characteristics.
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/ˈaɪlənd fˈɑːks/
a small fox endemic to six of the eight Channel Islands of California. It is a subspecies of the gray fox, and is notable for its diminutive size.
The island fox is a small carnivorous mammal that is native to the Channel Islands of California. It is known for its small size, with adults weighing only 3-5 pounds on average, making it one of the smallest wild canids in North America. The island fox has a distinctive appearance, with a thick coat that comes in various color morphs, including gray, brown, and black, often with unique markings on its face, ears, and tail. These foxes have adapted to the unique environments of the Channel Islands and have evolved into different subspecies on each island, resulting in some level of genetic and physical diversity among populations. Island foxes are known for their ability to adapt to the island ecosystems, their resourcefulness in finding food, and their unique behaviors, making them a fascinating species to study and conserve.
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/swˈɪft fˈɑːks/
a small North American fox, Vulpes velox, with greyish-brown fur and a black-tipped tail
The swift fox is a small species of fox that inhabits grasslands, prairies, and deserts in North America. It is known for its speed and agility, capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest small mammals. The swift fox has a slender body with a distinctive appearance, including large ears, a narrow snout, and a long bushy tail. Its fur is typically a light tan or yellowish color, providing camouflage in its grassland habitat. Swift foxes are primarily nocturnal, hunting small mammals, insects, and birds for food. They are also known for their ability to dig burrows, using them as shelter and for raising their young. Swift foxes are considered a threatened species in some areas due to habitat loss and fragmentation, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.
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/bˈætˈɪɹd fˈɑːks/
a small mammal species known for its distinctively large ears and insectivorous diet, found in various habitats in Africa
The bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) is a small mammal that inhabits various regions of Africa, including grasslands, savannas, and semi-desert areas. It is known for its unique appearance, characterized by large ears that can reach up to 5.9 inches in length, which are used for thermoregulation and to detect prey. The bat-eared fox has a compact body with a sandy or light brown coat, and its legs are relatively short compared to its body size. It has a keen sense of hearing and primarily feeds on insects, particularly termites, which make up a significant portion of its diet. The bat-eared fox is known for its social behavior, living in small family groups or packs, and is known to communicate through a variety of vocalizations. It is a highly specialized and adapted species to its environment, well-suited for a diet primarily composed of insects.
Grammatical Information:
/ˈɑːɹdwʊlf/
a small, insectivorous mammal native to Africa, known for its distinctive appearance, which resembles a small striped hyena, and its diet consisting mainly of termites
The aardwolf is a unique mammal that is part of the hyena family but has a markedly different lifestyle. It has a small, slender body with distinctive vertical stripes on its fur, giving it a striking appearance. Aardwolves are primarily insectivorous, with termites making up the majority of their diet. They are primarily nocturnal, spending their days resting in burrows or hidden vegetation and emerging at night to forage for food. Aardwolves have specialized teeth and a long, sticky tongue to help them consume large quantities of termites. They are solitary animals or live in small family groups, and are known for their shy and elusive nature. Despite their unique appearance and ecological role as termite hunters, aardwolves are generally less well-known than their larger and more charismatic hyena relatives.
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