Pseudalopex

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iPseudalopex

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Pseudalopex
Burmeister, 1856
Species

Pseudalopex culpaeus
Pseudalopex fulvipes
Pseudalopex griseus
Pseudalopex gymnocercus
Pseudalopex sechurae
Pseudalopex vetulus

Pseudalopex is the genus name for South American members of the Canidae family. It literally means 'false fox', from the Greek Pseud- and Greek alopex. The common name for the genus is zorro, from the Spanish word for fox. The most numerous species of this genus is probably Pseudalopex griseus, the grey zorro with large ears and a highly marketable, russet-fringed pelt. This genus is more closly related to the dog-like canids than to the true foxes. The Zorros are hunted in Argentina for their durable, soft pelt. They are also hunted in Argentina where they have the name 'lamb-killer'. This is generally not true. Zorros rarely kill lambs, but if hunger strikes they will prey on weaker or sick infants.

Species currently included in this genus include:

Culpeo, Pseudalopex culpaeus
Darwin's Fox, Pseudalopex fulvipes
Grey zorro, Pseudalopex griseus
Pampas Fox, Pseudalopex gymnocercus
Sechura Fox, Pseudalopex sechurae
Hoary Fox, Pseudalopex vetulus

The genus Lycalopex is still occasionally used for the Hoary Fox, but the species is more recently and more often included in Pseudalopex.

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