Head to head
South American Gray Fox vs Culpeo Fox
South American Gray Fox
VS Culpeo Fox
Both foxes share vast stretches of Patagonian and Andean habitat, but their size and ecological role set them apart.
| South American Gray Fox | Culpeo Fox | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Lycalopex griseus | Lycalopex culpaeo |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Stable |
| Body size | Smaller | Second-largest wild canid in South America |
| Local name | Chilla | Andean fox |
| Abundance | Most common wild fox in Patagonia | Less numerous than the gray fox |
| Notable prey | Small mammals, birds, insects, fruit | Young guanacos among other prey |
| Habitat | Grassland, desert, mountains | Grassland, mountains, desert |
South American Gray Fox vs Culpeo Fox: common questions
Which fox is more common across Patagonia?
The South American gray fox is, ranking as the most common wild fox species found across Patagonia, more numerous than the larger culpeo fox sharing much of the same range.
Which fox preys on young guanacos?
The culpeo fox does, preying heavily on young guanacos in parts of its range, a predation pressure the smaller South American gray fox does not exert to the same degree.
Which fox is larger?
The culpeo fox is, standing as the second-largest wild canid in South America, noticeably bigger than the South American gray fox with which it shares overlapping territory.