Evaluation of abiotic factors on the activity period of crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous – Carnivora: Canidae)

Abstract

The activity period of the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) was studied in the Itajaí valley, Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil, through camera traps during a 15-month survey. The existence of relationships between this behavior and abiotic factors was also investigated. We found that the crab-eating fox’s activity is basically nocturnal (54%) and crepuscular (25%). It has been classified as cathemeral. However, there were no relationships among the abiotic factors estimated (rainfall, temperature and lunar phases).

Keywords

• abiotic factors
• activity period
• behavior
• crab-eating fox
• prey