Also known as the Culpeo zorro, Andean Zorro, Andean Fox Paramo wolf, Andean wolf or the Colpeo fox, this canid is actually not a fox, but more closely related to wolves and jackals. It should be noted, however, that due to convergent evolution, it does look more like a fox. This is the same for all of the South American foxes.
Mostly it eats rodents, rabbits, birds and lizards, though it will also eat plant material and carrion. They will occasionally predate Andean flamingos as well as baby vicuna. It will also occasionally take sheep which has lead to it often being hunted or poisoned. In some areas it has become rare, but across its range there is no threat of extinction.
It has been domesticated by the Selk’nam people of Tierra del Fuego, which has resulted in the Fuegian dog, which became extinct around the turn of the 20th century.
