The crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) is a species of fox native to the central and northern South America, whose population extends through countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela. Like all types of foxes, the crab-eating fox is a mammal that belongs to the canidae family, which also includes other species such as dogs, wolves, dingoes, jackals, among other animals.
But unlike the common or red fox, the crab-eating fox does not belong to the genus Vulpini, in which the so-called " true foxes" native to the Northern Hemisphere. Currently, crab-eating foxes are the only survivors of the genus Cerdocyon, since the second species classified in this genus is already considered extinct (we are referring to Cerdocyon avius). [1]
In this tab on our site, we will tell you all about the crab-eating fox, its most outstanding features, its behavior and its natural habitat.
Origins and history of the crab-eating fox
The crab-eating fox descends from the aforementioned and extinct species Cerdocyon avius, which has inhabited our planet between the Pliocene and Pleistocene periods, that is, for about 5 million years until about 11,000 years, when they have been extinct.[two]
These foxes, which were about 80 centimeters long, originally lived in North America and would have migrated to South America, where they would have managed to adapt and survive for several years, in addition to giving rise to a new species that later it would be known as " crab-eating fox", known by its scientific name Cerdocyon thous.
Crab-eating foxes were first described in 1839 by Charles Hamilton Smith, a multifaceted man born in Belgium and naturalized English, who has acted as an artist, naturalist, soldier, illustrator, and even a spy. [3] However, its first appearance in South American territory would have occurred during the Pliocene, which began about 5.3 million years ago and ended about 2.6 million years ago.
The scientific name of the genus Cerdocyon is supposed to be due to frequent confusion between crab-eating foxes and ancient stray dogs. For this reason, the Greek terms "kerdo", which means "fox", and "cyon", which translates as "dog", would have been combined. In Colombia, the crab-eating fox is also popularly known as " dog fox", which reaffirms its apparent similarities with the mestizo dogs of the South American region.
Habitat of the crab-eating fox
The crab-eating fox is a species native to South America, which ranges from northern Panama to northwestern Argentina. In this extensive region, their population is concentrated in two main ranges. The first of these consists of the mountainous and coastal regions that stretch from Venezuela and Panama to the Paraná delta in Argentina. The second already begins in the middle of the Andes Mountains, more specifically in the eastern portion of Bolivia and Argentina, and extends to the Atlantic coast of Brazil (East direction) and the Pacific coast of Colombia (West direction). It is also possible to find some specimens distributed in the Guianas.
Crab-eating foxes have a clear predilection for warm and humid areas, especially for forests and coastal locations located at altitudes up to 3000 meters. However, they highlight a remarkable ability to adapt to different environments, being able to also inhabit prairies, deserts, cattle fields, and have even managed to survive in the intertropical moors or " mountain thickets " from Southamerica.
Due to their reserved and territorial nature, they tend to prefer areas with less human intervention, although some specimens can adapt to towns and semi-urbanized localities, where they find easier prey (animals raised for human consumption) and increased food availability.
Currently, the crab-eating fox is classified, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, as a " least concern ', since it is considered that their population is still abundant in their original countries. However, we must bear in mind that there is not enough data on the specific status of its population in each country and region, which makes it difficult to estimate what the real decline in specimens of this species has been. [4]
The greatest threats to the crab-eating fox are the destruction of its habitat and "sport" hunting, an activity that has not yet received due attention of the authorities in the great majority of the American countries.
Characteristics of the crab-eating fox
The crab-eating fox has a compact and slightly elongated body with an average length of about 70 centimeters, without considering its tail, which can measure up to 35 centimeters in total. Their body weight can vary between 5 and 9 kg, with females usually being smaller and lighter than males. It is characterized by the long snout, rounded ears, and a bushy tail that is relatively short compared to other fox species. Eventually, they can be confused with the gray fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus), but we must point out that the crab-eating fox is more compact and robust, its legs are darker, and its tail, snout, and ears are shorter.
Its coat often reveals a mix of different colored fur, such as grey, brown, yellow, black, and white The combination of these shades is unique to each individual and is often influenced by its habitat. While the foxes that live in the forests show more grayish and black hairs, the individuals that live in open or mountainous areas usually have a predominantly brown coat with some slightly reddish reflections. The inner parts of the legs, chest and belly usually reveal lighter shades than the rest of its body, and can even be completely white in some individuals.
Crab-eating foxes mostly maintain crepuscular or nocturnal habits, although some specimens may be somewhat active during the day. They are gregarious animals, which usually live in groups of between 7 or 8 members, generally formed by a couple and their young. They generally use their powerful vocalization ability to communicate with individuals in their group or other groups, emitting high-pitched howls that can be heard for miles away.
In relation to man, crab foxes have a more reserved character and prefer to avoid contact with human populations Curiously, some civilizations traditional South Americans, such as the Guarani in Paraguay, the Taironas in Colombia and the Quechuas in Bolivia, have managed to tame the crab-eating fox and have lived with this species in their daily lives. However, keeping a fox as a pet is not only not recommended, it is prohibited in most countries.
Feeding of the crab-eating fox
In their habitat, crab-eating foxes maintain a very varied omnivorous diet, which is mainly based on the consumption of proteins of animal origin, but that also incorporates fruits, seeds and fruits rich in fibers, vitamins and minerals to fully meet their nutritional requirements. The exact composition of their diet depends on the availability of food in their habitat and the time of year.
The crab fox is an active and intelligent hunter, which can cover several kilometers a day and cross different ecosystems in search of food. When they find a region with abundant prey, such as a productive or livestock area, they maintain a less varied diet and consume mainly animals with a high energy content. But if they perceive the scarcity of food, they can hunt a wide range of species, such as frogs, insects, turtles, rodents, spiders, and logically crabs (hence derives his name, "crab-eating fox"). Likewise, the diet of the crab-eating fox may include eggs and carrion, or possibly take advantage of human food residues.
Therefore, the crab-eating fox is considered a trophic opportunist, that is, an animal that changes its eating habits and behavior depending on where you are.
Crab-eating fox reproduction
The crab-eating fox is a monogamous species that usually experiences a single annual breeding season, although individuals living in favorable areas with abundant food can reproduce twice a year. As they live in warmer areas, they can reproduce and procreate at practically any time of the year, but births are usually more abundant during the summer, between the months of January and MarchTherefore, the main reproductive phase of the crab-eating fox occurs during spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
After mating, females experience a gestation of 52 to 60 days, at the end of which they can give birth3 to 5 pups A few days before giving birth, the female chooses a shelter where she and her pups can be safe, taking the opportunity to shelter in abandoned caves or make her own refuge among the abundant vegetation of its habitat.
The lactation period in this species lasts approximately three months, but the cubs remain under the care of their parents until they complete their 9 or 10 months of life, when they will already be sexually active and will seek to form their own partners. But generally, young crab-eating foxes will only separate from their natal community at the age of 1 1/2 to 2 years, when they set off to form their own groups together their partners and offspring. Males are quite active in raising their cubs, sharing with their partner the responsibility of protecting, feeding and educating their young.
