Mammals
South American Gray Fox
Lycalopex griseus · also called chilla
Known locally as the chilla, a South American gray fox ranks as the most common wild fox found anywhere across Patagonia, its population having recovered substantially since the decline of a fur trade that once hunted it extensively.
Overview
The South American gray fox, Lycalopex griseus, is a Least Concern mammal native to grassland, desert, and mountain habitat across a broad range of Chile and Argentina. Its status as the most common wild fox in Patagonia, its recovery from historical fur-trade hunting, and its adaptability across dramatically different open habitats make it one of the more ecologically successful carnivores found anywhere in southern South America.
The everyday fox of the Patagonian steppe
While rarer relatives such as Darwin’s fox cling to survival in isolated pockets, the South American gray fox instead thrives in numbers across a huge stretch of Chile and Argentina, adapting readily to grassland, desert, and mountain habitat alike.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and abundant across suitable habitat throughout Chile and Argentina, having recovered from historical fur-trade hunting pressure.
South American Gray Fox: common questions
Why is the South American gray fox also called the chilla?
This species is known locally by the name chilla across much of its range in Chile and Argentina, a name used widely alongside its more formal common name.
Is the South American gray fox more common than the culpeo fox?
Yes, this species is the most common wild fox species found across Patagonia, more numerous than either the culpeo fox or Darwin's fox sharing parts of its range.
Was the South American gray fox ever hunted heavily?
Yes, this species was once hunted extensively for its fur, a trade that has since sharply declined following changes in demand and protective regulation across its range.
How can the South American gray fox be told apart from the culpeo fox?
This species is noticeably smaller than the culpeo fox with which it shares parts of its range, a useful distinguishing feature where the two foxes' territories overlap.