IMPACT OF MARINE WILDLIFE TOURISM ON THE DIET AND BEHAVIOUR OF FOXES (LYCALOPEX SPP.), COQUIMBO REGION, CHILE

Abstract

The increase in tourism within natural areas can alter the feeding and behavioral patterns of wildlife, potentially affecting their health and survival. We hypothesized that high tourist influx along Route D-110-C (Coquimbo Region, Chile) modifies both the diet and behavior of local fox populations. To evaluate this, 96 scat samples were collected, and 17 behavioral encounters were recorded in September 2023, focusing on dietary composition and “flight initiation distance” (FID) in response to human presence. Results revealed a diet composition dominated by invertebrates (84.4%), plant material -- herbaceous remains (84.4%) and seeds (65.6%) -- and small mammals -- hair (78.1%) and bone fragments (32.3%). Anthropogenic waste was found in 31.3% of the scat samples, mainly chewing gum and plastic fragments. Notably, 76.5% of the encounters involved voluntary approaches towards the observer, with a mean FID of 3.6 meters. These findings suggest that tourism influences both dietary intake and tolerance to human disturbance. We recommend promoting clean and respectful environments in natural areas, implementing ongoing monitoring of diet and behavior, and, where possible, incorporating biomarker analyses for health and toxicity in wild fox populations.