Conservation Status

Unfortunately, because Darwin's Fox is an example of an endemic species, their population size is small.  

• According to the IUCN, the total population size is less than 250 mature adults, with 90% of this population living on Chiloé Island.

Just to put this in perspective, this is less than my freshman biology class!  

Because of their low population numbers, they have been put on the Critically Endangered level on the IUCN Red List since 2004. 

Conservation:

• Darwin's Fox has been protected by Chilean law since 1929, but enforcement can be difficult and some poaching occurs.

• A number of foxes at Nahuelbuta National Park are known to move to lower unprotected areas during the winter (milder conditions), where they are more vulnerable.  

• Maybe this park can be expanded from its 68.3 km² area.
• Or, the park should become stricter about enforcing park rules, such as limited the number of dogs they can bring in.