Introduced European rabbit as main prey of the native carnivore culpeo fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) in disturbed ecosystems of central Chile

Abstract

This study describes food habits of the culpeo fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) by scat analysis in two hills considered Priority Conservation Sites of the Mediterranean Region of central Chile, one of the most disturbed and modified ecosystems in the country. The results showed that foxes from both sites consume the introduced European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) as primary prey and native small mammals as secondary prey. This is the first record of feeding habits of the culpeo fox in central Chile that reports a higher consumption of European rabbit over pooled native small mammals. The reason for this result, as well as the higher trophic niche breadth and trophic niche diversity found in culpeo fox populations from the less disturbed hill, might be due to anthropogenic impacts on the study sites. However, to validate this claim, further studies on prey availability and human impact are required. The culpeo fox can have an important role in controlling pests such as the European rabbit; therefore, a more extensive study of this issue can bring important information for the conservation and management of natural areas of central Chile that show high human impact.Este estudio describe los hábitos alimentarios del zorro culpeo (Lycalopex culpaeus) en dos cerros considerados “Sitios Prioritarios de Conservación” de la eco-región mediterránea de Chile central, el cual es una de las zonas más intervenidas y modificadas del país. Los resultados encontrados muestran que los zorros de a…