Bush Dog
Speothos venaticus 
Makushi name: Ai 
Creole name: Short tail dog 
Size: body=65 cm; tail=12 cm; weight=6 kg 
Description: Small and low-slung. Head paler than body; tail very short, often held upright. Front feet broad with partial webbing between the toes. An odd-looking dog unlikely to be confused with other species. 
Activity: Probably diurnal; terrestrial; swims well. 
Habits: Little known in the wild. It is usually seen in pairs or small groups in the forest, and it forms strong pair-bonds in captivity. It dens in burrows or at the base of hollow trees. The few observations of wild Bush Dogs are mostly while it was hunting: it has been seen chasing Paca into water and a group of 4 to 6 was seen pursuing a Paca through the forest, yapping like puppies. It is thought to be strictly carnivorous and eats agouti, Paca and fish. Vocalizations include yelps, whines, barks and high-pitched squeaks. 
Habitat: Mature forest, usually near water. 
Signs: Tracks with four toes and some claw marks usually present; front track rather broad (about 45 mm), hind track longer and narrower (about 42 mm); foot pad relatively small compared to cat tracks of similar size. 
Status: Rare. Listed on CITES Appendix I. IUCN rank of Vulnerable