PremieRpet, a Brazilian pet food manufacturer and the company behind Natoo Pet Foods in the U.S., has partnered with Onçafari to support scientific research on the conservation of the maned wolf, the largest wild dog in South America.
The species is classified as “Vulnerable” on the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment’s list of endangered species and as “Near Threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Maned wolf research
Onçafari has monitored maned wolves since December 2018 at Fazenda Trijunção, located where the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, Bahia and Goiás meet in the Cerrado region. PremieRpet is investing R$150,000 (US$29,500) in a 12-month project that is using data collected through the program to research the species’ movement patterns, habitat use and conservation needs in both native and agricultural landscapes.
Researchers are analyzing the data to better understand the animals’ home ranges, including how they vary by season, sex and life stage. They are also examining biological samples for Giardia, a parasite that can affect wildlife, domestic animals and humans. A fecal sample bank is being established to support future research on the species. Findings will be shared through national and international conferences and scientific publications.
“The maned wolf is an important part of Brazil’s biodiversity, and we are proud to support research that can help advance its conservation,” said Fernando Maluf, vice president of international sales at PremieRpet.
“Through this partnership with Onçafari, we are contributing to science-based efforts to better understand and protect this remarkable species while supporting the health and well-being of animals and their ecosystems.”
The partnership follows Natoo’s support of Jaguar Parade Miami 2026, which highlighted jaguar conservation and supported organizations working on jaguar preservation, including Onçafari. PremieRpet also operates a LEED Gold-certified, 100% solar-powered facility and is developing more sustainable packaging.
