Lycalopex gymnocercus (G.Fischer, 1814)

General Appearance

Lycalopex gymnocercus, commonly known as the Pampas fox, resembles the culpeo or Andean fox in size and general appearance. It can be distinguished by a proportionately wider snout, reddish fur on the head and neck, and a black marking on the muzzle.

Body Fur

Most of its body is covered in short, dense grey fur, with a black stripe running down its back and onto the tail, while its underparts are pale, nearly white.

Ear Characteristics

Its ears are triangular, broad, and relatively large; the outer ear surface is reddish, and the inner surface is white.

Leg Coloration

The inner surfaces of the Pampas fox's legs match the pale color of its underparts. The outer surface of the fore limbs is reddish, and the outer surface of the hind limbs is grey, with a distinctive black spot on the lower hind limb.

Size and Weight

Adult Pampas foxes have a body length between 51 and 80 cm (20 to 31 in), and weigh between 2.4 and 8.0 kg (5.3 to 17.6 lb); males are typically around 10% heavier than females.

Geographic Color Variation

Individuals living in the northern part of the species' range have richer coloration than those in the southern part.

Distribution Range

The Pampas fox is found primarily in northern and central Argentina, Uruguay, eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, and southern Brazil.

Habitat Preferences

It prefers open pampas habitats, often located close to agricultural land, but can also occur in montane or chaco forest, dry scrubland, and wetland habitats.

Elevation Range

It is most common at elevations below 1,000 m (3,300 ft), but can live in puna grasslands up to 3,500 m (11,500 ft).

Subspecies Recognition (2005)

As of 2005, five subspecies of L. gymnocercus are generally recognized.

L. g. antiquus Range

L. g. antiquus is found in the Pampas grasslands, Monte shrublands and Espinal open woodlands of central Argentina, ranging from Córdoba and San Luis Provinces to the Río Negro and the Atlantic coast.

L. g. domeykoanus Range

L. g. domeykoanus is found in Copiapó Province, Chile.

L. g. gracilis Range

L. g. gracilis is found in the Pampas surrounding Mendoza, Argentina.

L. g. gymnocercus Range

L. g. gymnocercus is found in the subtropical grasslands of northeastern Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and eastern Brazil.

L. g. maullinicus Range

L. g. maullinicus is found in Llanquihue Province, Chile, east of Llanquihue Lake.

1982 Taxonomical Revision

An earlier 1982 taxonomical revision only recognized L. g. antiquus and L. g. gymnocercus, and also included the otherwise unaccepted subspecies L. g. lordi, which is restricted to the Chaco-Yungas Mountain Tropical Forest in Salta and Jujuy Provinces. That revision classified L. g. domeykoanus, L. g. gracilis, and L. g. maullinicus as subspecies of L. griseus, in part because they fall outside the currently accepted range of L. gymnocercus.

Fossil Record

Fossils of this species dating to the late Pliocene to early Pleistocene have been found in Argentina.

Breeding Cycle

Pampas foxes breed in early spring, and females enter estrus just once per year. After a 55 to 60 day gestation period, a female gives birth to a litter of up to eight kits.

Juvenile Development

Young are born between September and December, and are weaned at around two months of age. Females reach sexual maturity in their first year, and captive Pampas foxes have been recorded living up to 14 years.

Den Behavior

Pups stay in dens until at least 3 months old, when they begin hunting with their parents. Males bring food to females, who remain at the den with the kits.