Lycalopex sechurae

Peruvian fox (Lycalopex sechurae) has grey fur with faded colours; white or cream underparts; reddish-brown markings behind the ears, around the eyes and on the legs. Chromosome number is 2n=74.
It is nocturnal and spends much of its time digging holes during the day. It is usually solitary, although it occasionally appears in pairs. The young are born in October-November. Diet varies greatly, depending on season and habitat. It generally feeds on seed pods and is herbivorous. It also eats insects, rodents, bird eggs and carrion. It can survive for a long time without drinking water, obtaining water from its food. It is found in Ecuador and Peru.

First found in the Sechura desert, it inhabits arid environments of southwestern Ecuador and western Peru, ranging from sea level to altitudes of 1,000 meters or more. From the western foothills of the Andes to the sea, it inhabits deserts, dry forests, and beaches. There are no recognized subspecies.

Peruvian fox is scientifically known as Lycalopex sechurae, and its foreign name is Sechuran Fox. It is the smallest fox in the genus Lycalopex, and has no subspecies.

Peruvian foxes are nocturnal and spend a lot of time digging holes during the day. They usually act alone, although they occasionally appear in pairs. The fox is an opportunist, and its diet varies greatly, depending on the season and habitat. It generally feeds on seed pods, especially those of mesquite and mitochondrial plants that grow in the bush, and can be completely herbivorous. It also eats insects, rodents, bird eggs, and carrion. It can survive for long periods of time without drinking water, obtaining water from its food. The pups are born in October-November, although nothing is known about its reproductive behavior.

Some fossils of the Peruvian fox come from Ecuador and Peru, and are known from the Late Pleistocene. Genetic analysis shows that the Peruvian fox is most similar to Darwin's fox, a species native to Chile.

Habitat loss is the main threat to the Peruvian fox, which is particularly widespread in Ecuador. Because it preys on local livestock, such as chickens, it is hunted by local residents, and its body parts can be used in local handicrafts, ethnic medicine, or magical rituals. Hunting of this species is not allowed in Peru.

Listed in the 2008 Red List of Endangered Species of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) ver 3.1 - Near Threatened (NT).

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