Pseudalopex

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Pseudalopex
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Canidae Genus: Pseudalopex Burmeister, 1856
Species
Pseudalopex culpaeus Pseudalopex fulvipes Pseudalopex griseus Pseudalopex gymnocercus Pseudalopex sechurae Pseudalopex vetulus

Pseudalopex is the genus name for South American members of the Canidae family. It literally means 'false fox', from the Greek Pseud- and Greek 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 closly 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 'lamb-killer'. This is generally not true. Zorros rarely kill lambs, but if hunger strikes they will prey on weaker 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.

[edit] See also

• Crab-eating Fox
• Short-eared Dog

[edit] References

• Pseudalopex at Animal Diversity
• Nowak, Ronald M. (2005). Walker's Carnivores of the World. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press. ISBN 0-8018-8032-7