The Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes viverrinus),[1] also known by its Japanese name tanuki (Japanese: 狸, たぬき),[2] is a species of canid endemic to Japan. It is one of two species in the genus Nyctereutes, alongside the common raccoon dog (N. procyonoides),[3] of which it was traditionally thought to be a subspecies (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus).
The Japanese raccoon dog has a smaller stomach and shorter fur of lesser insulation value than mainland raccoon dogs.[4] A rare, white colour type can also be found.[5]
Within Japanese folklore, Japanese raccoon dogs (tanuki) have had a significant role since ancient times. They are reputed to be mischievous and jolly, masters of disguise and shapeshifting but somewhat gullible and absent-minded. The animals have also been common in Japanese art, particularly as subjects for statues.
^"Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Archived from the original on 4 October 2017. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
^Learie, Catie. "What Is a Tanuki? 8 Surprising Tanuki Facts". Treehugger. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
^Kim, Sang-In; Oshida, Tatsuo; Lee, Hang; Min, Mi-Sook; Kimura, Junpei (2015). "Evolutionary and biogeographical implications of variation in skull morphology of raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides, Mammalia: Carnivora)" (PDF). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 116 (4): 856–872. doi:10.1111/bij.12629. ISSN 1095-8312.
^Sillero-Zubiri, Claudio; Hoffman, Michael; and MacDonald David W. Canids: Foxes, Wolves, Jackals, and Dogs: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN; 2004. p136.
^"Rare white raccoon dog caught". The Japan Times. 18 October 2013. Archived from the original on 3 August 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
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