What is a "culpeo"?

The culpeo, also known as the Andean fox or Andean wolf, is a species of fox found in South America, particularly in the Andean regions of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. The culpeo is the largest fox species in South America, with a distinctive appearance characterized by a reddish-brown coat, a bushy tail, and a long, pointed snout. They have a slender body and are known for their adaptability and ability to thrive in diverse habitats, including grasslands, forests, and mountains. Culpeos are opportunistic hunters, preying on a variety of animals such as rodents, birds, and insects. They are also known to scavenge and have a solitary or semi-solitary lifestyle. Culpeos play an important ecological role in their ecosystems as top predators, helping to control populations of prey species. However, like many other wild canids, culpeos face threats such as habitat loss, hunting, and human-wildlife conflicts. Conservation efforts are underway to protect culpeo populations and their habitats.