Patagonian foxes: Selection for introduced prey and conservation of culpeo and chilla foxes in Patagonia

Abstract

The culpeo (Pseudalopex culpaeus) and the South American grey fox or chilla (P. griseus) are closely related canids that live in western and southern South America. This chapter examines patterns of prey selection by culpeos and chillas in areas where the two species are sympatric and: (1) where sheep were abundant and the main wild prey, lagomorphs, had different densities; (2) where both canids were protected and sheep density was low. These comparisons are used to evaluate the competitive relationships between the culpeo and chilla and the factors that determine predation on livestock. The comparisons are based on two studies that reported data on culpeo and chilla food habits and a broad array of prey availability, and on unpublished information from one of these studies.