Historical ecology and current abundance of the translocated Chilla or Grey fox <i>Lycalopex griseus</i> on the large Tierra del Fuego Island shared by Argentina and Chile

In 1951, a batch of 24 young animals both sexes Chilla or Grey fox Lycalopex griseus from continental Magallanes region, Chile – and perhaps also adjacent Argentina were released at Onaisin (65 km ESE Porvenir town, 53°18?S) on Tierra del Fuego Island in southernmost South America, to control European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) irruption that was considered detrimental sheep (Ovis aries) ranching. Up now, no attention has been paid the temporal course introduction. Here we provide historical account presence foxes Archipelago, starting with Charles Darwin 1839 until present. We review regulatory framework concerning hunting those tally their culling for export pelts. Finally, estimates abundance period 1999–2007 2021, highlight current spread. These translocated have become an abundant functional part steppe forest ecosystems Fuegian archipelago, even though they are killed by hunters, without spatial, temporal, numerical limits. conclude interesting scientific opportunities being missed regarding population genetics species may left founding effects genetic bottlenecks Fuego, some peculiar markers among island population. raise question whether this introduced native be deemed invasive, calling research determine its impact new environment.