Nyctereutes viverrinus albus

(Hornaday, 1904)

Vernacular names
English : Hokkaido raccoon dog
French : Chien viverrin d’Hokkaido

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Canidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known. Taxonomy of the genus is subject to revisions that are still not globally accepted.

Identification
The species grows to 58 cm for a weight of 5,6 kg. Small rounded ears, broad head and very thick fur. Coloration is from dirty yellow to grey with very dark breast and dark legs. Black face mask, yellow muzzle. Largest subspecies.

Range and habitat
This subspecies is endemic to the islands of Hokkaido and Okushiri. Species endemic to Japan and found on Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. Lives in mixed forests and woodlands near rivers, lakes and sea shore.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN (as N. procyonoides)
CITES : Not listed
Status : This species has yet to be assessed on its own but seems to be quite common in the wild. Introduced raccoons could pose a future threat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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