The biological diversity of Brazil is widely recognized, estimated that there are approximately 700 species of wild mammals (Paglia et al., 2012). In Rio Grande do Sul, the richness of mammals reaches about 180 species grouped in 10 Orders, of wich are 25 species of carnivores (Gonçalves et al.,. 2014), including the Pampa Fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus), a representative canid of the region.
The Pampas Fox, also referred to as Pampas Zorro or Azara’s Fox, has physical attributes that distinguish it from other canids. Its color is yellowish-gray with long and thin paws, covered by short and light hairs, contrasting with their large ears. These animals can reach up to 74 cm of height and weight approximately 6 kg, they reach their sexual maturity around 8 to 12 months (Crespo, 1971; Redford; Eisenberg, 1992). An interesting fact about this species are the monogamous practices, that is, pairs remain together from mating until the chicks are ready to leave the burrow (Lucherini et al., 2004).
The gestation period lasts approximately 60 days, and females can generate between 1 and 8 chicks, which are usually born in the spring. Before becoming independent, the chicks are breastfed for two months (Crespo, 1971). Although they live together while raising children, adults are usually lonely during their travels. L. gymnocercus have a varied diet that includes small vertebrates, invertebrates and fruits, which qualifies it as an omnivorous animal (Farias; Kittlein, 2008; Garcia; Kittlein, 2005). Despite performing activities both during the day as for the night, their customs are mostly nocturnal (Vieira; Port, 2007; Faria-Corrêa et al., 2009).
This species is found in central-eastern South America, extending from the southeast of Brazil to the east of Bolivia. Open fields, such as the pampas, cerrado and Chacos, are their natural habitat (Lucherini et al., 2004). Despite tolerating some human actions, such as urban growth, the transformation of their natural habitat into agricultural regions represents one of the greatest threats to their existence. Surprisingly, the devastation of the Atlantic Forest has stimulated the spread of the species to regions such as the fields of Santa Catarina and Paraná, with recent occurrences in São Paulo.
Other factors, in addition to habitat changes, impact the Pampas Foxes, like they hunting, which occurs in response to the predation of domestic animals by these animals, the species is susceptible to several diseases of domestic dogs, such as as the parvovirus, cinomosis, coronavirus, brucellosis and other diseases (Hubner et al., 2010), however, this predisposition does not significantly affect the threats to the species, the IUCN classifies them as "Less Worrying" (LC), due to its wide distribution and population connectivity between neighboring countries (Jiménez et al., 2008).
The life expectancy of these animals in captivity reached 14 years ago (Jones 1982; Lucherini; Vidal 2008). However, in free life, the life expectancy of these animals is only a few years, with survival rates of 7% for adult animals and 21.8% for young animals (Crespo 1971).
In the context of conservation, it is crucial to establish and expand protected areas, such as parks and reserves, to provide a safe shelter for the species. The ecological corridors can facilitate the connection between populations, intensifying genetic flow and the long-term resistance of the species. In addition, environmental education is essential to raise awareness in communities about ecological relevance of Pampas Foxes, particularly in pest management in agriculture. The protection of the species requires joint actions, with studies constant on their genetics, ecology and health, to create strategies of effective conservation. Finally, cooperation between governments, NGOs, local communities and companies is vital to ensure that the field grass continues to play its ecological role, especially in controlling agricultural pests and preserving the ecological balance.
Maria Eduarda Panisson Balzan - Regional Representative
References:
GONÇALVES, L. G. et al. Mamíferos do Rio Grande do Sul. Porto Alegre: Pacartes, 2014. 212 p. Ilustrado. ISBN 978-85-62689-93-2.
PAGLIA, A. P. et al. Lista anotada dos mamíferos do Brasil / Annotated Checklist of Brazilian Mammals. 2. ed. Arlington, VA: Conservation International, 2012. (Occasional Papers in Conservation Biology, n. 6). 76 p.
QUEIROLO, D.; KASPER, C. B.; BEISIEGEL, B. M. Avaliação do estado de conservação dos carnívoros: avaliação do risco de extinção do graxaim-do-campo Lycalopex gymnocercus no Brasil. Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, 2013. Disponível em:
CRESPO, J. A. Ecología del zorro gris Dusicyon gymnocercus antiquus (Ameghino) en la Provincia de La Pampa. Revista del Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales, v. 1, p. 147- 205, 1971.
REDFORD, K. H.; EISENBERG, J. F. Mammals of the Neotropics: the southern cone. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1992. 430 p.
LUCHERINI, M.; PESSINO, M.; FARIAS, A. A. Pampas fox Pseudalopex gymnocercus (G. Fischer, 1814). In: SILLERO-ZUBIRI, C.; HOFFMANN, M.; MACDONALD, D. W. (orgs.). Canids: foxes, wolves, jackals and dogs. Status survey and conservation action plan. IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group, 2004. p. 63-68.
GARCÍA, V. B.; KITTLEIN, M. J. Diet, habitat use, and relative abundance of pampas fox (Pseudalopex gymnocercus) in northern Patagonia. Mammalian Biology, v. 70, n. 4, p. 218-226, 2005.
VINNICÍUS, M. Graxaim-do-campo (Lycalopex gymnocercus). Tudo Raposa, 2024. Disponível em: https://tudoraposa.com.br/especies/lycalopex/graxaim-do-campo/.
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