Spatial Organization, Activity, and Social Interactions of Culpeo Foxes (Pseudalopex culpaeus) in North-Central Chile

Movements and interactions of Chilean culpeo foxes ( Pseudalopex culpaeus ) were studied in a semi-arid region characterized by periodic droughts. Annual home ranges of adult foxes averaged 3.7 km2 ( SE = 1.1), and home ranges of females were larger than those of males. Human-dominated habitats were included in 85% of estimated home ranges. Home range overlap averaged 27%. Analyses of spatial interactions indicated that two pairs of males shared the same ranges. Temporal interactions suggested a lack of synchrony in individual movement patterns, but foxes were most active during night. Populations of prey and the culpeo fox declined as a consequence of drought.