Sechuran fox

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Sechuran fox [1]
Zorro costero.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Lycalopex
Species:
L. sechurae
Binomial name
Lycalopex sechurae
Thomas, 1900
Sechuran Fox area.png
Sechuran fox range
Synonyms

Pseudalopex sechurae
Dusicyon sechurae

The Sechuran fox (Lycalopex sechurae), also called the Peruvian desert fox or the Sechuran zorro, is a small South American species of canid closely related to other South American "false" foxes or zorro. It gets its name for being found in the Sechura Desert in northwestern Peru. [1]

Contents

It is one of ten extant species of canid endemic to South America. This fox inhabits a narrow region west of the Andes Mountains running along the coastline of Peru and southern Ecuador. More specifically, in dry areas such as savannah-like deserts, cliff-sides, along the western side of the Andes mountains, and beaches. [3] The Sechuran Fox is known by the common names Sechura desert fox and Peruvian desert fox. The etymology of its scientific name comes from the Greek "lycos" meaning "wolf," and "alopex" meaning "fox". [3] Before it was classified under Lycalopex , the Sechuran fox was classed under the Dusicyon genus established by Oldfield Thomas in 1914, and was later moved to the Pseudalopex (meaning "false fox") genus by A. Langguth in 1975. [4]

The Sechuran fox is one of the many canid species that evolved from the ancestral canid(s) in the Miocene era. Through the rapid radiation of South American canids, [5] the Sechuran fox has evolved some traits that have possibly lent themselves to the species' survival, and which aid in distinguishing them from other members of this genus. [3] While there is not currently a thorough understanding of this species' evolution, some recent studies have produced notable contributions to this endeavor. [6] [7] [5]

A total population estimate is not currently specified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but one 2022 study estimates it to be around 5,000. [5] The main threats to this species currently are anthropogenic; largely habitat destruction through deforestation, and hunting (though to a smaller extent). [3]

Description

The Sechuran fox is small for a canid, weighing 2.6 to 4.2 kg (5.7 to 9.3 lb), with a head-and-body length of 50 to 78 cm (20 to 31 in) and a tail of 27 to 34 cm (11 to 13 in). Its fur is gray agouti over most of the body, fading to white or cream coloured on the underparts. There are reddish-brown markings on the backs of the ears, around the eyes, and on the legs. The muzzle is dark grey, and a grey band runs across the chest. Its tail is tipped with black. It has small teeth, adapted to feed on insects and dry plants, with fox-like canine teeth. [8]

The species has 74 chromosomes. [9]

Distribution and habitat

First identified in the Sechura desert, the fox inhabits arid environments in southwestern Ecuador and western Peru, at elevations from sea level to at least 1,000 metres (3,300 ft), and possibly much higher. Within this region it has been reported from the western foothills of the Andes down to the coast, inhabiting deserts, dry forests, and beaches. [10] There are no recognised subspecies.

Evolution

While more studies are required to understand the complete lineage of this species, it has been proposed that the most recent ancestor of the Lycalopex genus was Dusicyon australis (or the Falkland Islands wolf) which went extinct in 1876. [7]

Several fossils of Sechuran foxes are known from the late Pleistocene of Ecuador and Peru, close to the modern range. Genetic analysis suggests that the closest living relative of the Sechuran fox is Darwin's fox, which is native to Chile. [10]

Timeline

The arrival of the first canid ancestor to South America, and the subsequent divergence into the ten extant canid species (including the Sechuran fox), is an example of remarkably rapid radiation. Details of this recent diversification are not well understood, perhaps the biggest unknown being how many invasive ancestor canid species migrated into South America. However, it is accepted that this occurred during the Great American Biotic Interchange in the Miocene era, via the Panamanian land bridge. [11]

Multiple studies [12] [5] [13] have supported that South American canids (of which the Lycalopex genus makes up over half of these species) are monophyletic, sharing one common ancestor 3.5 million to 4 million years ago. [5] [13] The Sechuran fox was the second out of the six Lycalopex species to diverge from its sister taxon [6] approximately 1.3 million years after the first canid species arrived. The ancestor to the Lycalopex genus is believed to be the Falkland Islands wolf (Dusicyon australis) [12] around 1.4-0.81 million years ago. [5] [12] It is theorized that the main ancestral lineage that migrated from North America split into two, one migrating out east of the Andes, and one going west of the Andes. [5] It is suggested that an ancestral Lycalopex lineage, possibly migrated to the west-Andean region about 1 million years ago, likely during the rise of arid, savannah-like habitats (the sort of habitats that the extant L. sechurae occupies today). [5]

The Pleistocene era was a significant time in the history of this rapid species divergence. It has been suggested in multiple studies that during this period, and into the early Holocene era, there was considerable contraction and expansion of glaciers that resulted in significant shifts in climate of and around the Andes mountains, [12] which was and is still a key driver of speciation. [14] This climate change is believed to have altered habitable areas of some species. [5]

Genetics

The Sechuran fox's relation to Dusicyon australis has been suggested by a study from Perini et al. (2009). [12] While they were not the first to suspect D. australis as the sister taxa, through their analyses they claim to support this relationship with 87% Bayesian Posterior Probability. [12] The Sechuran fox also appears to have experienced very little gene flow as compared to the other five Lycalopex species. [5] Being only the second species of its genus to diverge from the common ancestor/sister taxa, the Sechuran fox has a high degree of genetic isolation from the other Lycalopex species, as well as a relatively distinct mitochondrial DNA phylogeny. [6]

Additionally, the Sechuran fox's genome exhibits a substantially low degree of autosomal heterozygosity, or genetic variability, especially in contrast with many other South American canids both within and outside of its genus. [5] There is a proposed correlation between low heterozygosity and small population size, which can similarly be seen in Lycalopex fulvipes (or Darwin's fox), which also inhabits a very narrow region west of the Andes, except it includes an island population. [5]

Adaptive characteristics

Within the Lycalopex genus, the Sechuran fox is not strikingly distinct from the other species, though morphological differences are still present. It is the smallest out of all the Lycalopex species and lacks red fur on its body, contrasting with other species in this genus. [6] Certain dental features may be important to note when examining possible adaptations, for example, molar sizes seen in fossils of L. sechurae are longer than the molars seen in more recent specimens. [3]

The versatility of this species has possibly lent itself to its survival. For example, when ecological conditions allow, it is omnivorous, but is capable of surviving on a completely vegetarian diet. [3] It has been suggested that vegetarianism may have influenced the aforementioned decrease in molar size. [3]

It is also thought that the Sechuran fox may have an ability to survive without water for lengthy periods, as suggested by the sparse water availability in its usual habitats. [3] Among mammals, this is not a common ability. A specific duration they can survive without water has not been featured in the literature as of yet, as this requires more studies to confirm.[ citation needed ]

Behavior and diet

The Sechuran fox is nocturnal, and spends the daylight hours in a den dug into the ground. It is generally solitary, although occasionally seen travelling in pairs. Pups are born in October and November, although little else is known of its reproductive behavior. [15]

The fox is an opportunistic feeder, and its diet varies widely depending on the season and local habitat. It has been found to feed on seed pods, especially those of the shrub Prosopis juliflora and of caper bushes, as well as the fruit of Cordia and mito plants, and is capable of surviving on an entirely herbivorous diet when necessary. More commonly, however, it also eats insects, rodents, bird eggs, and carrion as a part of its diet. [16] It can probably survive for long periods of time without drinking, subsisting on the water in its food. [8] Sechuran fox can disperse as many plant species as other more specialized dispensers, such as phyllostomid bat and white-tailed deer. [17]

Sechuran foxes are common in Ecuador. They have been known to prey on local livestock, such as chickens, and are hunted both to reduce such attacks and so that their body parts can be used in local handicrafts, folk medicine, or magical rituals. [10]

The animal is considered at Low Risk in Ecuador, and hunting is not permitted in Peru without a licence. The species is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. [10]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canidae</span> Family of mammals

Canidae is a biological family of dog-like carnivorans, colloquially referred to as dogs, and constitutes a clade. A member of this family is also called a canid. The family includes three subfamilies: the extant Caninae and the extinct Borophaginae and Hesperocyoninae. The Caninae are known as canines, and include domestic dogs, wolves, coyotes, foxes, jackals and other extant and extinct species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Falkland Islands wolf</span> Extinct species of dog-like carnivore

The Falkland Islands wolf, also known as the warrah and occasionally as the Falkland Islands dog, Falkland Islands fox, warrah fox, or Antarctic wolf, was the only native land mammal of the Falkland Islands. This endemic canid became extinct in 1876, the first known canid to have become extinct in historical times.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Culpeo</span> Species of carnivore

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. Regardless of 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.

<i>Dusicyon</i> Extinct genus of carnivores

Dusicyon is an extinct genus of South American canids.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bat-eared fox</span> Species of carnivorans

The bat-eared fox is a species of fox found on the African savanna. It is the only extant species of the genus Otocyon and considered a basal canid species. Fossil records indicate this canid first appeared during the middle Pleistocene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bush dog</span> Species of carnivore

The bush dog is a canine found in Central and South America. In spite of its extensive range, it is very rare in most areas except in Suriname, Guyana and Peru; it was first identified by Peter Wilhelm Lund from fossils in Brazilian caves and was believed to be extinct. The bush dog is the only living species in the genus Speothos, and genetic evidence suggests that its closest living relative is the maned wolf of central South America or the African wild dog. The species is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South American fox</span> Genus of carnivores

The South American foxes (Lycalopex), commonly called raposa in Portuguese, or zorro in Spanish, are a genus from South America of the subfamily Caninae. Despite their name, they are not true foxes, but are a unique canid genus more closely related to wolves and jackals than to true foxes; some of them resemble foxes due to convergent evolution. The South American gray fox, Lycalopex griseus, is the most common species, and is known for its large ears and a highly marketable, russet-fringed pelt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caniformia</span> Suborder of mammals

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crab-eating fox</span> Species of carnivore

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darwin's fox</span> Species of canid

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pampas fox</span> Species of carnivore

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hoary fox</span> Species of carnivore

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caninae</span> Subfamily of carnivores

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<i>Dusicyon avus</i> Extinct species of carnivore

Dusicyon avus is an extinct species of cerdocyonine canid in the genus Dusicyon, native to South America during the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. It was medium to large, about the size of a German shepherd. It was closely related to the Falkland Islands wolf (Dusicyon australis), which descended from a population of D. avus. It appears to have survived until very recently, perhaps 400 years ago.

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References

  1. 1 2 Wozencraft, W. C. (2005). "Order Carnivora". In Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN   978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC   62265494.
  2. ↑ Cossios, D. (2017). "Lycalopex sechurae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2017: e.T6925A86074993. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T6925A86074993.en . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Cossíos, E. Daniel (25 January 2010). "Lycalopex sechurae (Carnivora: Canidae)". Mammalian Species. 42: 1–6. doi: 10.1644/848.1 . ISSN   0076-3519. S2CID   85574757.
  4. ↑ "Lycalopex Burmeister, 1854". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Chavez, Daniel E.; Gronau, Ilan; Hains, Taylor; Dikow, Rebecca B.; Frandsen, Paul B.; Figueiró, Henrique V.; Garcez, Fabrício S.; Tchaicka, Ligia; de Paula, Rogério C.; Rodrigues, Flávio H. G.; Jorge, Rodrigo S. P.; Lima, Edson S.; Songsasen, Nucharin; Johnson, Warren E.; Eizirik, Eduardo (23 August 2022). "Comparative genomics uncovers the evolutionary history, demography, and molecular adaptations of South American canids". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 119 (34): e2205986119. Bibcode:2022PNAS..11905986C. doi:10.1073/pnas.2205986119. ISSN   0027-8424. PMC   9407222 . PMID   35969758.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Favarini, Marina O.; Simão, Taiz L. L.; Macedo, Gabriel S.; Garcez, Fabrício S.; Oliveira, Larissa R.; Cárdenas-Alayza, Susana; Cardeña Mormontoy, Marco; Angulo, Fernando; Kasper, Carlos Benhur; Johnson, Warren E.; Eizirik, Eduardo (11 August 2022). "Complex Evolutionary History of the South American Fox Genus Lycalopex (Mammalia, Carnivora, Canidae) Inferred from Multiple Mitochondrial and Nuclear Markers". Diversity. 14 (8): 642. doi: 10.3390/d14080642 . ISSN   1424-2818.
  7. 1 2 "New clues may explain the mysterious origins of the Falklands wolf". Animals. 27 October 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
  8. 1 2 Asa, C. & Cossios, E.D. Canids: Foxes, Wolves, Jackals and Dogs. Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan (PDF). International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources/Species Survival Commission Canid Specialist Group. pp. 69–72. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 July 2013.
  9. ↑ Wayne, R. K.; Geffen, E.; Girman, D. J.; Koepfli, K. P.; Lau, L. M.; Marshall, C. R. (1997). "Molecular Systematics of the Canidae". Systematic Biology. 46 (4): 622–53. doi: 10.1093/sysbio/46.4.622 . PMID   11975336.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Cossios, E.D. (2010). "Lycalopex sechurae (Carnivora: Canidae)". Mammalian Species. 42 (1): 1–6. doi: 10.1644/848.1 .
  11. ↑ Carrillo, Juan D.; Forasiepi, Analía; Jaramillo, Carlos; Sánchez-Villagra, Marcelo R. (2015). "Neotropical mammal diversity and the Great American Biotic Interchange: spatial and temporal variation in South America's fossil record". Frontiers in Genetics. 5: 451. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00451 . ISSN   1664-8021. PMC   4283609 . PMID   25601879.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Perini, F. A.; Russo, C. A. M.; Schrago, C. G. (February 2010). "The evolution of South American endemic canids: a history of rapid diversification and morphological parallelism". Journal of Evolutionary Biology. 23 (2): 311–322. doi:10.1111/j.1420-9101.2009.01901.x. PMID   20002250. S2CID   20763999.
  13. 1 2 Wayne, Robert K.; Geffen, Eli; Girman, Derek J.; Koepfli, Klaus P.; Lau, Lisa M.; Marshall, Charles R. (1 December 1997). Cannatella, David (ed.). "Molecular Systematics of the Canidae". Systematic Biology. 46 (4): 622–653. doi: 10.1093/sysbio/46.4.622 . ISSN   1076-836X. PMID   11975336.
  14. ↑ Patterson, Bruce D.; Costa, Leonora P. (2012). Bones, Clones, and Biomes: The History and Geography of Recent Neotropical Mammals. University of Chicago Press. doi:10.7208/chicago/9780226649214.003.0015. ISBN   978-0-226-64919-1.
  15. ↑ Birdseye, C. (1956). "Observations on a domesticated Peruvian desert fox, Dusicyon". Journal of Mammalogy. 37 (2): 284–287. doi:10.2307/1376706. JSTOR   1376706.
  16. ↑ Asa, C. & Wallace, M.P. (1990). "Diet and activity pattern of the Sechuran desert fox (Dusicyon sechurae)". Journal of Mammalogy. 71 (1): 69–72. doi:10.2307/1381318. JSTOR   1381318.
  17. ↑ Escribano-Avila, Gema (24 March 2021). "Non-specialized frugivores as key seed dispersers in dry disturbed environments: An example with a generalist neotropical mesocarnivore". Journal of Arid Environments. 167: 18–25. doi:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2019.04.015. S2CID   150349374 . Retrieved 24 March 2021.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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