Levantamento e caracterização da população ex-situ da raposa-do-campo (Lycalpex vetulus) no Brasil
Resumen
Carnivores suffer several forms of pressure contributing to the decline of these
populations. The hoary fox (Lycalopex vetulus) is the smallest of the Brazilian canids.
Have crepuscular-nocturnal habits, are omnivorous and monogamous, and their
reproductive period occurs once a year, borning three to five offspring. Human actions
accelerate the extinction process, where 25% of fauna and flora species are
vulnerable. The hoary fox is classified as vulnerable mainly due to habitat loss and
fragmentation. It is endemic to the Cerrado, a biome that has been losing significantly
its area to pastures and agricultural activities. Integrated strategies between institutions
may be the only alternative for the survival of endangered species. Knowing the biology
of the species, real threats, correctly identifying of the specimens and having an
overview of the captive individuals, in addition to generating knowledge, is of
paramount importance in the creation of strategies aimed at the conservation of
Lycalopex vetulus. Through and with the participation of the Association of Zoos and
Aquariums of Brazil (AZAB) and the São Paulo Association of Zoos and Aquariums
(APAZA), a consultation was carried out with the associated institutions that keep the
species under guard, and that showed interest in participating in the study. A
questionnaire was prepared with population data and questions related to ex situ
management, including information on nutrition, facilities, behavior, education,
physical restraint, veterinary care, management and reproduction. Photos were also
requested to identify individuals. The answers were qualitatively evaluated in order to
know the management that the institutions offer to the animals. For the classification
of individuals, the requested photos were evaluated in order to prove, from the
phenotypic characteristics, whether the animals in question were L. vetulus or were
mistakenly classified. In relation to the 24 animals participating in the project, only five
had phenotypic characteristics consistent with the species under study, two are more
similar to L. gymnocercus and the rest of them have characteristics of the two species,
which may be hybrids between these species. It is concluded that it is of paramount
importance to train professionals who work with fauna to correctly identify the species,
as well as carrying out a molecular evaluation of individuals kept under human care, in
order to have precision of the species for the beginning of an effective integrated
conservation project that aims to preserve it.
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