What kind of animal is a Japanese raccoon dog? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. The raccoon dog is an animal that is distributed in East Asia and is endemic to Japan. It is mainly found in Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and although it is not designated as an endangered species, it is in danger due to habitat destruction.
What is a Japanese raccoon dog? About basic status
The Japanese raccoon dog is a mammal that belongs to the Carnivora order, the Canidae family, and the Raccoon genus. The kanji character is mainland raccoon dog, and the scientific name is Nyctereutes viverrinus viverrinus. The body length is 40-50 cm, the tail length is 15 cm, and the weight is 3-4 kg. These animals are often kept in zoos and are often exhibited or introduced in information about events within the zoo. Below is a list of basic information. The location of the zoo’s facilities is easy to access, so give it a try.
| Japanese（和名） | ホンドタヌキ |
| English（英名） | Japanese raccoon dog |
| scientific name(学名) | Nyctereutes viverrinus viverrinus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Carnivora、 Canidae、Nyctereutes 哺乳綱、食肉目、イヌ科、タヌキ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 40 – 50cm |
| Weight（体重） | 3-4kg |
About classification
It is classified as a raccoon dog. In the same family is the Ezo raccoon dog, which also lives in Hokkaido, Japan. Until now, it has been considered a subspecies of procyonoides.
Taxonomy of the Japanese raccoon dog
- 界（Kingdom）：動物界 (Animalia)
- 門（Phylum）：脊索動物門 (Chordata)
- 綱（Class）：哺乳綱 (Mammalia)
- 目（Order）：食肉目 (Carnivora)
- 科（Family）：イヌ科 (Canidae)
- 属（Genus）：タヌキ属 (Nyctereutes)
- 種（Species）：アナグマタヌキ (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
- 亜種（日本産）：ホンドタヌキ (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus)
About habitat
The Japanese raccoon dog is distributed in forests in various regions of Japan, from Honshu to Shikoku to Kyushu. This species’ habitat is mainly satoyama, and it is active even in the middle of winter, so it does not live in winter.
- Distribution in Japan
Widely distributed across Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu
Not found in Hokkaido (a separate subspecies, the Siberian raccoon dog, is found in Hokkaido).
- Habitat
Forests: Natural forests such as deciduous and mixed forests
Satoyama and farmland: Can live near human settlements
Riversides and wetlands: Prefers forest edges and wetlands near water
Urban peripheries: May adapt to human activity areas
- Habitat Characteristics
Prefers environments with abundant food and hiding places
Nocturnal, resting in bushes or holes during the day and active at night
Environments with safe burrows and underground burrows are important for breeding and raising young.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The raccoon dog has five fingers on its front legs and four fingers on its hind legs. Body hair changes in summer and winter. Their home range varies depending on region, season, etc. They are good swimmers and have the ability to dexterously swim underwater. They are mainly active at night and are quiet during the day. They are not very territorial animals. They usually travel alone or in groups or groups. They dig their own burrows and live in them.
- Body Size and Appearance
Body Length: Males approximately 55-80cm, females slightly smaller
Tail Length: 15-25cm
Weight: Approximately 5-9kg
Fur Color:
Back is brown to gray, belly is slightly lighter
Face has a distinctive black “mask” pattern
Densely furry, giving it a plump appearance in winter
Eyes and Ears:
Black eyes with developed nighttime vision
Ears are small and round
- Behavior and Personality
Primarily nocturnal, active at night foraging for food
Shy, but adaptable to human habitation depending on the environment
Becomes more territorial during the breeding season
- Diet
Omnivorous: Eats a wide variety of foods, including insects, earthworms, small mammals, fish, fruits, and vegetables
Able to flexibly change diet depending on the season and habitat
- Ecological Characteristics
They often dig holes in the ground to create burrows or hideouts.
They do not hibernate in winter, but may stay still in their burrows on cold days.
They can be found in rural areas and farmlands, and can live in close proximity to humans.
What is your personality like?
Raccoon dogs are very cautious and fearful. Individuals of this species are also nocturnal and go into raccoon sleep.'' The raccoon dog is in a state ofdying death” as it is stimulated by gunshots, meaning it pretends to be dead or asleep.
Personality and Behavior of the Japanese Raccoon Dog
Timid and cautious
Sensitive to predators and humans, they will flee immediately if they sense danger
They often spend the daytime hunkered down in bushes or holes
Nocturnal and quiet
They search for food at night, so they are rarely seen during the day
Their movements and feeding are quiet and discreet
Highly adaptable
They can live not only in forests, but also in rural areas, farmlands, and urban areas
They adapt to human presence and flexibly use food and hiding places
They are primarily solitary
They generally live alone outside of the breeding season
They are territorial and keep their distance from other raccoons
What is the ecology like?
The raccoon dog is an omnivorous animal, so it can eat mice, nuts, fruits, crops, grass, and even small reptiles and insects. Raccoons usually give birth to 3 to 5 babies in their burrows in mid-March. Basically, it is said that more males are born than females, and they live with their parents until they grow up. The lifespan is said to be about 10-15 years.
- Life Rhythm
Nocturnal: Active mainly at night, searching for food.
Rests in bushes or holes during the day.
Does not hibernate in winter, but stays still in burrows to avoid the cold.
- Diet
Omnivorous: Insects, earthworms, small mammals, fish, bird eggs, fruit, vegetables, etc.
Flexibly changes diet depending on the season and habitat.
In areas where humans live, they may feed from fields or garbage.
- Breeding
Breeding Season: March to May
Nesting: Digged burrows in the ground, in the shade of rocks, under fallen trees, etc.
Litter Size: Usually 4-6 baby raccoons
Brooding:
Mother holds and feeds the chicks.
Begins to become independent at about 2 months of age.
- Sociality and Behavior
Primarily solitary.
Strongly territorial, interacting with other individuals only during the breeding season.
Has multiple burrows and rests in safe places during the day.
Travels a distance of several hundred meters to several kilometers per day.
- Habitat Relationship
Adapted to a wide range of environments, including forests, satoyama, farmland, and urban suburbs
Prefers environments with abundant food and hiding places
Local population declines due to environmental destruction
About Japanese Raccoon Dog Cubs
By summarizing the behavior of Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus) cubs, we can understand their developmental stages and behavior from birth to independence.
- Birth and Nest
Breeding Season: March–May
Nest Building:
They build dens in safe locations such as holes in the ground, under fallen trees, or in the shade of rocks.
Litter Size: Usually 4–6 pups per litter.
Birth Weight: Approximately 80–120g
- Cubs Characteristics
They are born with downy fur and their eyes are closed.
They are small and completely dependent on their parents.
Their noses, ears, and feet are underdeveloped, making them unable to move from the den.
- Growth Stages
Week Growth and Behavior: From 0–2 weeks, they remain in their dens closed. The mother provides food and maintains their body temperature. From 2–4 weeks, they open up. Their fur begins to grow in. They play with their siblings in the den. By 4-6 weeks, they are able to walk and make small movements. They learn while being fed by their parents. By 6-8 weeks, they show interest in the outside world and explore the area around the den. They jump around and play. At around 2 months, they are preparing to become independent. They begin to move independently with the help of their parents.
- Survival Considerations
There is a risk of predation from natural enemies (large birds of prey, weasels, foxes, etc.)
Poor food and den security can increase mortality rates.
Is the Japanese raccoon dog an endangered species?
Is the Japanese raccoon dog an endangered species? In conclusion, it is classified as a low concern and is in a very safe condition. However, in recent years, due to the following reasons, the population of this species has decreased dramatically in some areas, making it a dangerous situation.
habitat destruction
The Japanese raccoon dog mainly prefers living in bushes, but its territory has been destroyed by humans, making it dangerous. Their habitat is becoming fragmented, and there are many incidents of them showing up in human residential areas and being run over by cars.
canine distemper
Raccoons are susceptible to canine distemper and mange. If the condition becomes severe, it can lead to secondary infection, which can infect the entire herd, which is a matter of great concern. It becomes difficult to maintain body temperature, and in some cases, death can occur.
hunting and revenge
The Japanese raccoon dog is also said to be a pest. They are killed by the farmers because they eat the farmers’ crops without permission. Therefore, in some areas, they have been thoroughly eradicated.
Can you keep a Japanese raccoon dog?
You can keep a Japanese raccoon dog. Some families actually keep them, but the following precautions need to be taken.
There are few means of obtaining
The Japanese raccoon dog is basically a wild animal and is not sold as a pet, so you will never be able to get one at a pet store. For this reason, the most common method is to have the animal surrendered from a zoo.
A cage and a house are required.
Raccoon dogs tend to move around a lot, so it is very dangerous to let them roam freely like cats. They cause a nuisance by eating the crops of neighbors. Be sure to prepare a cage or house. Get something large enough to relax in.
What kind of food is good?
Raccoons can eat dog food. Raccoon dogs are omnivorous and will eat just about anything, but pet food is ideal from a nutritional standpoint. You can also eat fruits, potatoes, and vegetables as snacks.
Is it possible to keep multiple animals?
Since Japanese raccoon dogs live in families or pairs, we recommend breeding more than one if they are compatible. They are timid and cautious wild animals, so it takes a long time to become tame.
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