A road in the municipality of Vacaria, in Rio Grande do Sul, was the scene of an unusual meeting in 2021. An animal that appeared to be a dog was found run over and initially identified as a wild species.
The rescue of the creature, led by biologist Herbert Hasse Junior and the local environmental patrol, opened the way to a series of surprises. Watch this story unfold!
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When he was taken to the veterinary hospital at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), the team of specialists realized that the animal was remarkably different from a wildcat, a fox-like species that is endemic to the South America.
This creature had darker fur and behaved in a peculiar way, refusing to eat food, but accepting small rodents as food.
Confusion over his true identity led researchers to carry out a thorough genetic analysis, including chromosome analysis.
The discovery was incredible: the animal had 76 chromosomes, an intermediate number between dogs (78) and prawns (74). This suggested that it was, in fact, a hybrid of these two seemingly distant species on the evolutionary tree.
(Image: Flávia Ferrari/Reproduction)
To further enhance the conclusion, mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed that the animal's maternal lineage was from graxaim-do-campo, while the analysis of complete DNA found stretches of genes exclusive to dogs and others exclusive to field greasebirds.
This was the first time that a dog and wildcat hybrid has been studied in detail in South America.
Although they belong to the same family of canids, the two species are relatively distantly related in evolution, making this discovery rare and surprising.
The hybrid's destination was Mantenedouro São Braz, a sanctuary and Zoo in Santa Maria, also in Rio Grande do Sul, where he was castrated and received adequate care.
In addition to intriguing researchers, the animal raises important questions about the impacts of crossbreeding between species of canids, including the adaptation of hybrids to nature and the possible transmission of diseases between species.
Experts are determined to explore and study such questions as they advance the understanding of this mysterious hybrid and its significance for wildlife conservation.
As the story of this RS animal continues to unfold, it highlights the incredible diversity of fauna and the ability to surprise even the most experienced scientists.