Species: Lycalopex fulvipes
Genus: Lycalopex
Conservation Status: Endangered
General Overview
Darwin’s fox is an endangered canid from the genus Lycalopex, a genus of whose members are not considered to be true foxes. This fox is endemic to Chile and is distinguished from other Lycalopex by its shorter legs, broader head, and darker coat.
The species is thought to number under 1,000 mature individuals; it used to be considered Critically Endangered and was reclassified in 2016 as Endangered. The main threats to Darwin’s fox are domestic and feral dogs, which can spread diseases, and human disturbance such as habitat destruction.
Description
Darwin’s fox is similar in size to that of red foxes aged 6 months, typically weighing 1.8 to 3.95 kg. They have a head and body length of up to 59cm, and a tail which measures up to 25.5cm. There is little sexual dimorphism apart from a broader muzzle observed in males.
Darwin’s fox is restricted to forest habitats, they do not interbreed with other Lycalopex species.
Compared to the South American gray fox, Darwin’s fox has shorter legs, a broader and shorter skull, more robust dentition, and a different jaw shape. They possess a mottled pelage, varying between black and grey fur with reddish tones on their ears and lower legs. Their short, bushy, dark grey tail is a characteristic distinguishing Darwin’s fox from other related species.
Diet
Like many foxes, Darwin’s fox is an opportunistic omnivore. In general, its diet mainly consists of insects, although it will also feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles, fruits and seeds.
Ecology
Darwin’s fox inhabits temperate rainforest ecosystems of Southern Chile. They prefer to occupy areas in which they have greater access to native forest cover, and their population declines in areas of higher road density.
They are most active at twilight and before sunrise, and according to reports by locals, Darwin’s foxes are easy to tame and not fearful of humans. Human perturbation harms the species.
A 2016 IUCN assessment estimates a total of 639 mature individuals. Therefore, it is considered an endangered species.
Threats
Habitat loss, namely deforestation, is a key threat, as Darwin’s fox prefers to inhabit forested areas. They are also vulnerable to human-caused mortality, such as the foxes being killed due to their perceived threat to domestic animals.
Darwin’s fox is also threatened by disease spread from rural and domestic dogs.
Foxipedia 