Renard De Sechura

The most important threats to this species are from the market for handicrafts and amulets and from persecution because of damage to livestock. In Peru, the typical attitude towards this species is one of persecution (68.3% of correspondents) or indifference (31.7%). The stated reasons for persecution were due to damage on domestic fowl and guinea pigs (65% of correspondents), the consumption of vegetal or stored goods (13.3%), and the belief of goat predation (10%) (Asa and Cossíos 2004). The Sechuran Fox also faces some pressure in agricultural zones and from urbanization and habitat degradation; indeed, habitat reduction or loss is considered the main threat to this species in Ecuador (Tirira 2001, Tirira et al. 2011).

Legislation
Not included in the CITES Appendices. Currently listed nationally as Near Threatened in Peru and Vulnerable in Ecuador (Tirira et al. 2011).

Between 1975 and 2000, a governmental authorization was required to hunt the species in Peru. Since 2000, hunting outside the established areas and trade of the species has been prohibited. The police and the Ministry of Agriculture are responsible for the control of illegal trade. However, it has proven especially difficult to control trade in rural areas and in some cities. 

Presence in protected areas
This species occurs in several protected areas in Ecuador and Peru. The Sechuran Fox was not traditionally protected, for cultural reasons, until recently. Now it is protected in Santa Catalina de Chongoyape, a rural community of Lambayeque department, because they are considered important for tourism and as seed dispersers (Asa and Cossios 2004).

Presence in captivity
Some specimens are kept in the authorized collections, including Parque de las Leyendas Zoo, Lima and Atocongo Zoo, Lima.

Gaps in knowledge
The main priorities for research include elaborating the southern extent of range and better defining altitudinal limits of distribution. In addition, there is limited knowledge of the impact of disease in this species.