Culpeo
VU

Culpeo

Lycalopex culpaeus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culpeo

Overview

The culpeo, also known as Culpeo zorro, Andean zorro, Andean fox, Paramo wolf, Andean wolf, and colpeo fox, is a species of South American fox. Despite the name, it is not a true fox, but more closely related to wolves and jackals. Its appearance resembles that of foxes due to convergent evolution.

The Culpeo faces significant pressure from habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural expansion, livestock grazing, and human settlement development across its range. Persecution by livestock farmers who view culpeos as threats to domestic animals, combined with hunting pressure and vehicle strikes, further threatens populations throughout South America.

Threat summary

Habitat

Culpeos inhabit diverse ecosystems including Andean highlands, Patagonian steppes, scrublands, grasslands, and forest edges from sea level to over 4,800m elevation. They occupy both open terrain and woodland areas across western and southern South America, adapting to various climatic conditions from arid regions to temperate forests.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Culpeo classified as Vulnerable?
Culpeo is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Culpeo faces significant pressure from habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural expansion, livestock grazing, and human settlement development across its range. Persecution by livestock farmers who view culpeos as threats to domestic animals, combined with hunting pressure and vehicle strikes, further threatens populations throughout South America.
Where does Culpeo live?
Culpeo occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Culpeo?
The main threats to Culpeo are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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