Threatened species of Dusicyon

Little is known about the absolute and relative abundance of species of Dusicyon. Each species presents very different problems and little is known about the status, or even the accurate distribution. This lack of Knowledge is a major hinderance to conservation efforts.

The zorros are found in every habitat on the continent of South America, from the coastal deserts (Sechuran zorro), to the open savanna (grey zorro, culpeo, Azara's zorros). While elsewhere (Asia, Africa) canids invariably shun the rain forest, one species of South American zorro is found in the rain forests (small-eared zorro) and another (the crab-eating zorro) inhabits coastal and lowland forests.

The grey zorro Dusicyon griseus is considered by some as extremely common and abundant; yet, other correspondents report that it is rare and declining in much of its range. Given the large international trade in the species (100,000 pelts per year 1980-1985, IUCN 1988), the potential for rapid and irreversible loss of the species is great.