The Darwin’s fox, aka Darwin’s zorro, Zorro de Darwin, or Zorro chilote, lives in Chile and on Chiloé Island. They prefer primary forest and southern temperate rainforest habitats. With an estimated 2,500 wild individuals remaining, they are listed as Endangered by the IUCN. These cute little foxes suffer greatly at the hands of habitat destruction, hunting, trapping, disease, and invasive species. Sadly too, their numbers are decreasing.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Lycalopex fulvipes
Weight: Up to 8.7 lbs.
Length: Up to 23 inches, plus up to a 10 inch tail
Lifespan: Up to 7 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) Like many other foxes, these critters are solitary.
2.) Darwin’s foxes are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) with their primary activity being twilight (just at the tail end of the evening).
3.) A group of foxes is called a troop, earth, leash, skulk, or lead.
4.) They prey on mammals, reptiles, amphibians, beetles, and invertebrates. Fruit is sometimes added in, for good measure. When times are tough, they will also eat carrion (dead animals).
5.) The Darwin’s fox is considered monogamous (mates for life).
But wait, there’s more on the Darwin’s fox!
6.) These foxes breed once a year, in October.
7.) Females birth up to 3 pups.
Did you know…?
These speedy foxes can run up to 45 mph!
8.) Pups are born altricial (blind and helpless at birth).
9.) Mountain lions are known to prey on these foxes.
10.) A fox will typically not chew its food. Instead it uses its carnassial or shearing teeth to cut the meat into small chunks and then those are swallowed whole.
Now a Short Darwin’s Fox Video!
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