Lycalopex sechurae (Carnivora: Canidae)

Abstract

Lycalopex sechurae (Thomas, 1900) is a small canid commonly called the Sechura fox or Sechuran desert fox. It is distributed in coastal zones from southwestern Ecuador to west-central Peru; ranging in elevation from sea level to at least 1,000 m and possibly 2,000 m. L. sechurae is an opportunistic omnivore with the capability of being a strict vegetarian when necessary. Habitat preferences include desert environments and adjacent beaches, cultivated areas, dry forests, foothills, sea cliffs, and the western slopes of the Andes. L. sechurae increases seed dispersion for some plant species. It is considered Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. © 2010 American Society of Mammalogists.