Conservation

     As mentioned Darwin's Fox is strictly an endemic species to the Chiloe Island and the Nahuelbuta National Park, a biodiversity hotspot. This species is considered critically endangered and has some mild IUCN protections in place.  They are believed to have a population ranging from 200 to 700 individuals in total (Castello, 2018). There are some noted direct links to cause the decline of this beautiful creature's population. First, they seem to have no fear of humans, similar to when they were first discovered by Darwin himself. They have a very unique pelt, causing some to easily hunt them. Second, the Darwin's Fox has a limited area of habitat that is being lessened further by humans. Humans effect the climate and ecosystem as a whole indirectly with greenhouse gases and other climate change, and directly with encroaching on land or deforestation. Deforestation effects entire ecosystems and according to Hamel (2019) about 70% of terrestrial animals depend on trees for survival. A third explanation of the Darwin's Fox decline is with exotic species being introduced, and other canine species, including our own domesticated pet canines. Owners often will let loose their pets and they will hunt and kill these "foxes". Even if they are not directly killing them, they often carry diseases such as Canine Distemper (IUCN), which has a high mortality rate among canines.  There are many other concerns we must consider that could cause the decline of Darwin's Foxes. 

     How can we support these dwindling organisms? There are many areas to consider but action can be taken within the main examples stated causing declining numbers.  Local communities and government agencies can implement laws to protect the ecosystem (these Darwin's Foxes and the community entirely).  We all need to educate on the importance of a strong diverse ecosystem, even if expressing that tourism will grow along with the Darwin's Fox population! Some action is in affect within Chilean law since 1929 protecting them and setting aside 20% of Chilean lands for conservation (Vaya, 2012).  The IUCN red list reports conservation efforts are in effect with education, monitoring, location within at least one protected area, legislative actions, and invasive species prevention.  There is lack of an action plan or any management plan. This species is still on the decline despite the measures in affect, which indicates more requirements must be instilled to support them. The WWF has an Adopt a Darwin's Fox fund raising effort and the IVHQ Volunteer Programs that show just a few examples on how those not within Chile or the Chiloe Island can aid in conservation of the Darwin's Fox and many ecosystems.  

  Why put such an effort into the prevention of the Darwin's Fox's extinction? As mentioned in the ecology page of this site, the ecosystem highly relies on this unique species.  They are usually an apex predator and aid in seed distribution of plant life.  According to Oyster Worldwide (2019) a healthy ecosystem (being animal, plant, and human life balanced) is necessary or the survival of other parts will be in jeopardy. Humans can benefit from the Darwin's Fox continued presents on our plant by ecosystem services,  such as future medical advances, farming, and even tourism. I personally have donated to conservation efforts of Darwin's Fox and look forward to the day that I can say I was a tourist viewing this majestic creature in person.  

Keywords: endemic species, biodiversity hotspot, exotic species, extinction, ecosystem services

Sources:

Castelló José R., & Sillero-Zubiri, C. (2018). South American Canids. In Canids of the world: Wolves, wild dogs, foxes, jackals, coyotes, and their relatives. essay, Princeton University Press.

Hamel, G. (2019, November 18). The effects of cutting down trees on the ecosystem. Sciencing. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://sciencing.com/the-effects-of-cutting-down-trees-on-the-ecosystem-12000334.html

Oyster Worldwide. (2019, March 12). Top conservation initiatives from around the world. Oyster. Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.oysterworldwide.com/news/conservation-around-world/

Vaya Adventures. (2012, October 17).Chile conservation.  Retrieved February 10, 2023, from https://www.vayaadventures.com/blog/conservation-efforts-in-chile/#:~:text=Environmental%20conservation%20efforts%20are%20currently%20being%20undertaken%20throughout,organizations%20promoting%20sustainable%20growth%20and%20environmentally%20responsible%20tourism.