Lycalopex vetulus
hoary fox

Hoary foxes, Lycalopex vetulus, live in the neotropical region of the world. They are found in the Minas Gerais and the Motto Grosso regions in southwestern Brazil. (Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; Rylands, 1998)

Hoary foxes live in tall grass steppes and in savanna interspersed with wooded "islands", as well as upland mountain areas in open woodland and brushland. Their habitat extends across the more open terrain of east-central Brazil. They live near cerrado vegetation. (Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; McGlynn and Postanowicz, 2002; Rylands, 1998)

Hoary foxes are small, with a short muzzle and small teeth. Their fur is grayish in color, with a pale underbody and reddish ears and legs. There is a dark stripe running along the dorsal line and the tip tail. The exterior of the legs is yellow, and there is a black spot above the tail gland. The word "hoary" means having white or silvery color, which refers to the white hairs in the otherwise gray coat of these animals. The fur is short. (Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; McGlynn and Postanowicz, 2002; Rylands, 1998; Travaini et al., 2000)

Hoary foxes have a small skull, with reduced carnassials and broad molars. Total body length is approximately 60 cm, with an average tail length of about 32 cm. Adult body weights range from 2.7 to 4 kg. (Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; McGlynn and Postanowicz, 2002; Rylands, 1998; Travaini et al., 2000)

A closely relatd species, L. culpaeus, shows a positive, slight sexual dimorphism, with males being 5% larger than females. This is comparible to values reported for other foxes. Although such dimorphism has not been reported for L. vetulus, this evidnece suggests that slight sexual dimorphism in hoary foxes exists. (Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; McGlynn and Postanowicz, 2002; Rylands, 1998; Travaini et al., 2000)

Hoary fox lifespans have not been recorded.

Hoary foxes are usually timid, but will aggressively defend their young. They normally use armadillo burrows for dens and are usually diurnal, but are often active at night and during twilight. (Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; McDonald, 2001; McGlynn and Postanowicz, 2002; Nowak, 1999; Rylands, 1998)

Behavior in related species suggests that hoary foxes are territorial. Parents often travel with their adult sized offspring, and conflict over territory arises between parent and offspring during the dry season. (MacDonald and Courtenay, JUN 1996)

Home Range

Home range size is unkown.

Communication in hoary foxes is unknown, but is probably similar to other species of foxes.

Hoary foxes are omnivores, but they appear to be termite specialists. Termites of the genus Syntermes are their main food source and is found in about 89.5% of its feces. They feed on this termite year round. The other foods eaten by hoary foxes include rodents, fruit, grasshoppers, and dung beetles. (Dalponte, 1997; Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; McDonald, 2001; McGlynn and Postanowicz, 2002; Nowak, 1999; Rylands, 1998)

The diet of L. vetulus varies seasonally. Termites and small mammals make up the majority of their diet during the dry season, and other insects and fruit make up the majority during the wet season. The unique dental structure of this species allows these animals to eat small items. Their reduced carnassials and broad molars are good for crunching up an insectivorous diet. (Dalponte, 1997; Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; McDonald, 2001; McGlynn and Postanowicz, 2002; Nowak, 1999; Rylands, 1998)

Physical features of hoary foxes suggest adaptation to its habitat. A food niche separation mechanism between this species and other wild canids in that region has probably caused the dietary shift in this species to termites, as well as their small muzzel and dentition. (Dalponte, 1997; McDonald, 2001; McGlynn and Postanowicz, 2002; Nowak, 1999; Rylands, 1998)

There is little information on predation of hoary foxes. However, it is parasitized by the vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus. It should be noted, however, that these bats do not kill the animals upon which they feed, so it isn't a predator in the traditional sense. (Almeida et al., APR 2002)

Hoary foxes are generalist predators. They affect populations of small rodents and termites. (Eisenberg and Redford, 1999)

Hoary foxes are hosts for many diseases, some of which can be transmitted to domestic dogs, and some to humans. Also, hoary zorros are suspected of killing poultry and are therefore hunted. (Almeida et al., APR 2002; Lima, Guimaraes, and Lemos, 1994; McDonald, 2001; McGlynn and Postanowicz, 2002; Nowak, 1999; Rylands, 1998)

Close relatives of the hoary fox are fur-bearers, and pelts of this species are likely collected as well. In addition, these animals are sometimes found in zoos. (McGlynn and Postanowicz, 2002; Rylands, 1998; Travaini et al., 2000)

Hoary foxes are listed as data deficient by IUCN. Changes in agricultural practices may result in habitat loss. Deforestation and hunting are also threats to this species. (McDonald, 2001; McGlynn and Postanowicz, 2002; Nowak, 1999; Rylands, 1998)

Hoary foxes have many common and scientific names such as, small-toothed dog, Lycalopex vetulus, Pseudalopex vetulus, and Dusicyon vetulus. (Dalponte, 1997; Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; McGlynn and Postanowicz, 2002; Rylands, 1998)