Darwin's fox

Darwin's fox or Darwin's zorro (Lycalopex fulvipes) is an endangered canid from the genus Lycalopex. It is also known as the zorro chilote or zorro de Darwin in Spanish and is endemic to Chile, where it lives in the temperate rainforests of Nahuelbuta National Park, the Cordillera de Oncol, Cordillera Pelada, and Chiloé Island. This small, dark canine weighs 1.8 to 3.95 kg (4.0 to 8.7 lb), has a head-and-body length of 48 to 59 cm (19 to 23 in) and a tail that is 17.5 to 25.5 cm (7 to 10 in). Darwin's fox displays no key differences between male and female other than the fact that the male has a broader muzzle. Males display no territorial behavior and are not aggressive towards other males roaming around their territory.

Darwin's fox is adapted to life in southern temperate rainforests, with characteristics that differentiate it from other Lycalopex species. Darwin's fox has shorter legs, a darker coat, and broader head than its closest relative South American gray fox (L. griseus). Its pelage has a mottled coat with black and gray fur tinged by reddish tones on its ears and lower legs. White markings are found under the chin, along the lower mandible, on the underbelly, and inner portions of the legs. The short, busy, dark gray tail is a diagnostic characteristic used to distinguish from other related species.

Darwin's fox was first collected from San Pedro Island off the coast of Chile by the naturalist Charles Darwin in 1834, after whom the species is named. It was long held that Darwin's fox was a subspecies of L. griseus; however, the discovery of a small population of Darwin's fox on the mainland in Nahuelbuta National Park, in 1990. and subsequent genetic analysis has clarified the fox's status as a unique species.

The species is thought to number under 1,000 mature individuals, with most found on Chiloé Island and smaller populations on the mainland. Once considered critically endangered, it was reclassified as endangered in 2016. Its main threats come from domestic and feral dogs, which spread diseases and attacks foxes, along with ongoing habitat loss from agriculture and forestry. Conservation efforts focus on managing disease risk through dog vaccination near protected areas.