Among the rodents targeted by common raccoon dogs, voles seem to predominate in swampy areas, but are replaced with gerbils in flatland areas such as Astrakhan. Ecology Diet Ĭommon raccoon dogs are omnivores that feed on insects, rodents, amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles, mollusks, crabs, sea urchins, human garbage, carrion, eggs, and insectivores, as well as fruits, nuts, and berries. Ī rare white colour type occurs in China. The summer fur is brighter and reddish straw-coloured. The cheeks are coated with long, whiskery hairs. The muzzle is covered in short hair, which increases in length and quantity behind the eyes. The abdomen is yellowish-brown, while the chest is dark brown or blackish. A dark stripe is present on the back, which broadens on the shoulders, forming a cross shape. It is of a dirty, earth-brown, or brownish-grey colour with black guard hairs. The winter fur protects common raccoon dogs from low temperatures ranging down to −20 to −25 ☌ (−4 to −13 ☏). The winter fur is long and thick with dense underfur and coarse guard hairs measuring 120 millimetres (4.7 in) in length. Specimens from Japanese and Russian studies have been shown to be on average larger than those from Chinese studies. Weights fluctuate according to season: in March they weigh 3 kg (6.6 lb), while in August to early September males average 6.5–7 kg (14–15 lb), with some individuals attaining a maximal weight of 9–10 kg (20–22 lb). The ears are short and protrude only slightly from the fur. The tail, at 12 to 18 cm (4.7 to 7.1 in) long, is short, amounting to less than a third of the animal's total length and hangs below the tarsal joints without touching the ground. Total lengths can range from 45 to 71 cm (18 to 28 in). Reflecting their omnivorous diets, common raccoon dogs have small and weak canines and carnassials, flat molars, and relatively long intestines – (1.5–2.0 times longer than other canids). The projections of the skull are well-developed, the sagittal crest being particularly prominent in old animals. Their skulls are small, but sturdily built and moderately elongated, with narrow zygomatic arches. The distinctly raccoon-like markings of a raccoon dog's face.Ĭommon raccoon dog skulls greatly resemble those of South American foxes, particularly crab-eating foxes, though genetic studies reveal they are not closely related. This implies that this species cannot be imported, bred, transported, commercialized, or intentionally released into the environment in the whole of the European Union. In Europe, since 2019, the common raccoon dog has been included on the list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern (the Union list). In Scandinavia, it is called " marten-dog" (Swedish: mårdhund, Norwegian and Danish: mårhund). ĭue to the fur trade, the common raccoon dog has been widely introduced in Europe, where it has been treated as a potentially hazardous invasive species. Among the Canidae, the common raccoon dog shares the habit of regularly climbing trees only with the North American gray fox, which is neither a true fox nor a close relative of the common raccoon dog. The closest relatives of the common raccoon dogs are the true foxes, not the raccoon, which is one of the musteloids, and not closely related. The common raccoon dog is named for the resemblance of its masked face to that of the North American common raccoon ( Procyon lotor). Other names for the common raccoon dog include mangut (its Evenki name), and neoguri (its Korean name). The similar Japanese raccoon dog ( Nyctereutes viverrinus, the tanuki), native to Japan, is the only other living member of the genus Nyctereutes. They are widespread in their native range, and are invasive in Europe where they were introduced for the fur trade. Common raccoon dogs feed on many animals and plant matter, and are unusual among canids (dogs, foxes, and other members of the family Canidae) in that they hibernate during cold winters and can climb trees. Named for its raccoon-like face markings, it is most closely related to foxes. The common raccoon dog ( Nyctereutes procyonoides), also called the Chinese or Asian raccoon dog to distinguish it from the Japanese raccoon dog, is a small, heavy-set, fox-like canid native to East Asia. Blue – native area (including range of Japanese raccoon dog)
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