SOUTH AMERICAN FOX

also called South American Dog, or South American Jackal, any of several South American carnivores of the genus Dusicyon, family Canidae. One member of the genus, the small-toothed dog, is sometimes considered to comprise a distinct genus called Lycalopex. Although these canids are not actually foxes, they resemble true foxes. There are about 6 to 11 species, depending on the authority consulted. In general, South American foxes are long-haired, rather grayish animals growing about 0.51 m (1.63.3 feet) in length, excluding the bushy tail, which is 3035 cm (1214 inches) long. They are found in open and forested areas, depending on species; they feed on small animals, birds, fruit and other plant material, and insects. They are generally nocturnal and live in abandoned burrows or in dens among rocks or trees. Both parents care for the litters of three to six young. At times, South American foxes become destructive to domestic livestock. They are, however, helpful in controlling rodent and bird populations, and their fur is of some value. The Antarctic, or Falkland Island, wolf (D. australis) was hunted to extinction in the late 1800s.