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Pseudalopex culpaeus |
Pseudalopex is the genus name for South American members of the Canidae family. It literally means 'false fox', from the Greek words Pseud- and alopex. The common name for the genus is zorro, from the Spanish word for fox. The most numerous species of this genus is probably Pseudalopex griseus, the grey zorro, with large ears and a highly marketable, russet-fringed pelt. This genus is more closely related to the dog-like canids than to the true foxes. The Zorros are hunted in Argentina for their durable, soft pelt. They are also hunted in Argentina, where they have the name of 'lamb-killer'. In reality, Zorros rarely kill lambs, although, if hunger strikes, they will prey on weak or sick infants. Species currently included in this genus include:
- Culpeo, Pseudalopex culpaeus
- Darwin's Fox, Pseudalopex fulvipes
- Grey zorro, Pseudalopex griseus
- Pampas Fox, Pseudalopex gymnocercus
- Sechura Fox, Pseudalopex sechurae
- Hoary Fox, Pseudalopex vetulus
The genus Lycalopex is still occasionally used for the Hoary Fox, but the species is more recently and more often included in Pseudalopex.
See also
References
- Pseudalopex at Animal Diversity
- Nowak, Ronald M. (2005). Walker's Carnivores of the World. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press. ISBN 0-8018-8032-7
