Intraspecific behavior patterns of hoary fox (Lycalopex vetulus), a solitary canid endemic to Cerrado, Central Brazil.

The hoary fox, Lycalopex vetulus, is a small insectivorous canid endemic to grasslands of Central Brazil. Herein we characterize hoary fox social behavior, based on qualitative and quantitative differences in intraspecific communication among males, females, and subadults. A family group, two reproductive pairs and three other adult individuals of unidentified social status were directly observed from 1995 to 2001, for the continuous recording of all occurrences of behavioral events. Hoary fox exhibited behaviors related to communication and food consumption. A total of 4,240 behavioral events were recorded, most in the categories 'Consumption' (58%) and 'Olfactory' (23%). The frequencies of signaling types varied among individuals according to sex, age, and socioecological phase. Olfactory signalings were more frequent in adult males, and during the Mating and Dispersal phases. Acoustic signalings were more frequent in adult females and individuals rearing the young. 'Consumption' and 'Tactile' behaviors were more frequent in subadults. The hoary fox intraspecific communication is characteristic of solitary canids, but during mating season and rearing period, individuals become more 'socialized.' Data on courtship and mating, partnership dissolution phase, and the breakup of the family group until young dispersal, are necessary for a better understanding of intraspecific communication of the hoary fox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]