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The Darwin's Fox (Pseudalopex fulvipes), locally known as 'Zorro Chilote', is a small and secretive inhabitant of the temperate forests of southern South America and is endemic to Chile. Its range is very restricted and is currently found in only two disjunct populations: the forests of Chiloé Island (42°S; 74°W) and the coastal Massif of Nahuelbuta (37°35'S; 73°00`W), in mainland Chile. These two sites hold a small yet decreasing population of nearly 250 individuals.
A visit to these two sites, in company of our guests, offers always great chances of seeing this magnificent canid. Naturalist guide Roberto Donoso and guest Norma Chapman, a UK mammal expert, had great views of one couple during a boat trip along the Chepu River in Chiloé Island; this tame fox was comfortably taking a sun-bath during the cold morning of August 13th 2010.
Chilean experts (i.e. Dr Jaime Jimenez among others) along international conservation agencies are currently carrying out long-term population studies on this critically endangered fox. A detailed summary on the biology and conservation status of this species from the Canid Specialits Group: Foxes, Wolves, Jackals and Dogs - 2004 Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan) is available here.
Another good site of Chiloé Island to see this rare fox are the lush and pristine old-growth rainforests of Tepuhueico Park; on this huge private reserve, our guide and company founder Enrique Couve has seen it numerous times.
Join Roberto and Enrique on one of our 5-day programmes to 'Lake District & Chiloé Island' and try to see this enigmatic and sadly vanishing inhabitant of the forests of southern Chile.
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