Darwin's fox (Lycalopex fulvipes) is a small canid native to the southern tip of South America and is endemic to Chile. It was first described by Charles Darwin during his expedition in 1837.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Darwin's fox belongs to the family Canidae (canines) and is classified within the genus Lycalopex, which includes South American foxes. The species' scientific name is Lycalopex fulvipes. Previous studies have also referred to it as Pseudalopex fulvipes, but molecular and morphological evidence has grouped this species and other South American foxes under the single genus Lycalopex. Known in English as Darwin's fox, it is also known in Spanish as Zorro Azul, Zorro Chilote, or Zorro de Darwin.
Geographic Distribution and Habitat
Darwin's fox is found worldwide only within Chile, within the administrative regions of Biobío, La Araucanía, and Los Lagos. The species consists of two main populations: the largest population is found in the forests of Chiloé Island, while the second is found in the Nahuelbuta Mountain Range on the mainland. Recent records indicate that the species' known distribution is wider than initially thought, with individuals also confirmed in the Valdivian Coastal Ranges and the foothills of the Andes. The fox's presence is largely explained by the presence of native forests. Its habitat preferences include dense Araucaria-Nothofagus forests, old-growth and secondary evergreen forests. On Chiloé Island, it has been observed to use a variety of areas, including scrubland, second-generation forests, and even sandy beaches.
Conservation Status and Population
Darwin's fox was listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2016. Its overall population trend is considered Declining. Previously (2004 and 2008), it was classified as Critically Endangered due to very low population estimates. New distribution data have revealed a widespread distribution. While reliable population size data are lacking, conservative minimum estimates suggest a limited number of mature individuals in Chiloé and the mainland. The total number of mature individuals is estimated to be likely to be no more than 2,500, meeting the threshold for Endangered.
Major Threats
The species' greatest threats are domestic dogs and forest loss. Free-roaming dogs pose a significant risk to the population by both directly attacking and killing foxes and transmitting deadly diseases such as Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). Dog problems are widespread in and around protected areas, largely due to poorly managed free-roaming dogs. Another threat is habitat loss caused by clearing of native forests for agriculture and commercial logging. Human-caused deaths are also a local threat, with reports of foxes attacking domestic animals or being killed by local people for their fur. The planned bridge project connecting Chiloé Island to the mainland is also a future concern due to the potential introduction of alien species (e.g., other fox species or pumas).
Protection Actions
Darwin's fox has been protected by Chilean law since 1929 and is listed on Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). The Chilean Ministry of the Environment is in the process of developing a plan for the species' conservation and management (RECOGE). The fox inhabits several public and private protected areas, including Nahuelbuta National Park and Chiloé National Park. Conservation efforts include vaccinating domestic dogs against CDV, research focusing on disease management, and environmental education activities. Future conservation priorities include effective enforcement of responsible dog ownership legislation and increasing habitat connectivity by preserving native understory in commercial plantations.
