Crab-eating Fox
Cerdocyon thous
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Carnivora · Canidae
About
The crab-eating fox, also known as the forest dog, wood fox, bushfox or maikong, is an extant species of medium-sized canid endemic to the central part of South America since at least the Pleistocene epoch. Like South American foxes, which are in the genus Lycalopex, it is not closely related to true foxes. Cerdocyon comes from the Greek words kerdo and kyon (dog) referring to the dog- and fox-like characteristics of this animal.
Fun Fact
Crab-eating foxes are one of the few canids to be truly omnivorous, eating crabs, insects, fruit, and turtle eggs depending on the season, with their diet shifting dramatically between wet and dry periods.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Savannas and woodlands
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
10-12 years
Threats
- Illegal Logging
- Habitat Fragmentation