Four maned wolf pups born in Argentina’s Ansenuza National Park

Four maned wolf pups have been recorded in the wild in Argentina’s Ansenuza National Park, documenting new life for a species classed as endangered in Córdoba province. Remote cameras are now revealing how their parents raise them.

The discovery began with an unusual signal from their mother’s tracking collar: Cucusa was spending long periods almost motionless in dense scrub. Researcher Augusto Distel, working with the conservation organisation Aves Argentinas, suspected she had given birth. He placed eight camera traps at least 20 metres from her shelter to avoid unnecessary disturbance.

Images recorded on 4 July confirmed four pups, estimated to be just two or three days old. Later footage showed Cucusa moving them between shelters and feeding them. The male became more visible over subsequent weeks, bringing food and marking the area.

Maned wolves are South America’s largest wild members of the dog family. Following this litter offers more than appealing images: researchers can learn which shelters the parents choose, how the pups begin exploring and what may affect their survival.

The birth does not guarantee that all four will reach adulthood. Human-caused fires and diseases spread by domestic animals remain risks. Monitoring continues with minimal interference, aiming to gather evidence that can guide future protection.