A pilot study on the home range and movement patterns of the Andean FoxLycalopex culpaeus(Molina, 1782) in Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

Abstract

Here we report movement patterns and home range estimates of an Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) in Cotopaxi National Park, representing the first GPS-tagging of the species. The GPS functioned well during the 197-day tracking period. Home range sizes ranged between 4.9 - 8.1 km2, depending on the estimation method. Movement speeds averaged 0.17 km/hr. at day vs. 0.87 km/hr. at night, and distance traveled averaged 0.23 km at day vs. 0.89 km at night. These results are part of research in Ecuador studying the behavior and interactions of mammals with other species and humans.