Abstract
The activity patterns, home-range use, and habitat utilization of sympatric South American grey fox (Dusicyon griseus) and culpeo fox (Dusicyon culpaeus) in eastern Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, were studied to determine how the two species were distributed. Both species were primarily nocturnal. Mean percent daily activity did not differ between species or among seasons, but the grey fox had a greater daily activity rate in summer and fall and the culpeo fox in winter and spring. Seasonal and annual home ranges of culpeo foxes were larger than those of grey foxes, but did not differ between sexes or among seasons. Home ranges of grey and culpeo foxes were interspersed in a mosaic-like arrangement and did not overlap. Grey foxes were located more often in upland shrub transition habitat and in areas of medium cover density. Culpeo foxes were found more often in thickets of trees and in areas of high cover density. Within their home range, matorral shrubland or Nothofagus thicket habitat was selected by all culpeo foxes and by 60% of grey foxes monitored. Interference competition by the culpeo fox may have been important in determining fox distribution.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
