Immediate post-release survival of eastern barred bandicoots Perameles gunnii at Woodlands Historic Park, Victoria, with reference to fox activity.

2005 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Long ◽  
AJ Robley ◽  
K Lovett
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Wild Population ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Predator Control ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
Fox Control

On mainland Australia, eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii) are now restricted to a single wild population at Hamilton in western Victoria, and recovery efforts are focussed on establishing new populations at reintroduction sites. The success in founding these populations has been variable, and post-release survival has not been accurately quantified. It is believed that predation by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is largely responsible for post-release loss of P. gunnii, despite the implementation of predator control programs at release sites. An intensive fox control program was established to protect 10 released P. gunnii at Woodlands Historic Park, near Melbourne. Monitoring of fox activity was undertaken prior to and after the release in an attempt to better understand the effectiveness of control operations. Seven bandicoots were known to be alive at the conclusion of the study five weeks after their release (and an additional animal was trapped four months later), with weight loss appearing to be an important factor in determining post-release survival. Despite constant levels of bait-take by V. vulpes, fox activity measured from sand-pads remained high. We hypothesise that the presence of suitable refugia is allowing the persistence of a low-density bandicoot population at Woodlands despite constant, high levels of fox activity.

The potential for participatory landscape management to reduce the impact of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) on lamb production

2010 ◽  
Vol 37 (8) ◽  
pp. 695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynette J. McLeod ◽  
Glen R. Saunders ◽  
Steven R. McLeod ◽  
Michelle Dawson ◽  
Remy van de Ven
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Landscape Management ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Control Effort ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Spatial Coverage ◽  
Lamb Survival ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Fox Control

ContextRed fox (Vulpes vulpes) predation has an impact on populations of many species throughout its range worldwide, and as such, the red fox is the target of control programs. AimsWe investigated the potential for participatory landscape management to reduce the impact of fox predation on a major prey species, lambs. MethodsThe present study monitored fox-management programs already operating across 4.5 million hectares of regional New South Wales to compare the impact of varying (frequency and spatial coverage) control effort on lamb survival. Key resultsThe frequency and timing of fox control was correlated with lamb survival. Lamb survival was higher in areas where fox baiting was carried out twice a year, in autumn and late winter/spring. Spatial coverage of the control program was also positively correlated with lamb survival. Properties that had near neighbours (up to 2.5 km away) participating in group fox-control programs had higher survival of lambs than properties that did not. ConclusionsThese results support the development of a high level of group participation in fox-control programs that considers both spatial extent and frequency of baiting programs. They also support a movement away from the reactionary, short-term practice of baiting small areas to protect vulnerable prey. ImplicationsCoordinated group-baiting programs are likely to deliver improved lamb survival and should be promoted in areas where ongoing control programs for foxes are necessary.

Preliminary Field Assessment of a Cabergoline Baiting Campaign for Reproductive Control of the Red Fox (Vulpes Vulpes).

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 161 ◽  
Author(s):  
CA Marks ◽  
M Nijk ◽  
F Gigliotti ◽  
F Busana ◽  
RV Short
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Canis Familiaris ◽  
Control Methods ◽  
Island Populations ◽  
Reproductive Control ◽  
Field Assessment ◽  
Poison Baiting ◽  
Fox Control

The use of poison baiting in Australia to control foxes is impractical in urban areas and some wildlife reserves because of hazards to non-target animals. More acceptable methods of fox control in such environments are needed. Cabergoline is a dopamine agonist that has previously been demonstrated to have an abortifacient effect in cats (Felis catus) and dogs (Canis familiaris). The prolactin-inhibiting action of cabergoline may also result in cessation of lactation. Cabergoline has been shown to be completely palatable to foxes and is easily incorporated into a non-poisonous bait. The ability of bait-delivered cabergoline to effect the birth of viable fox cubs was tested in urban Melbourne and rural Bendigo, Victoria. A sample of 51 natal dens were chosen for this study on the basis that they had been active for 3 consecutive years (1991-93). 30 treatment dens were randomly selected and each treated once during August and again during September 1994 with 8 non-poisonous Foxoff baits containing 170 micro g of cabergoline and 200 mg of tetracycline to act as a biomarker. The remaining 21 dens were used as controls. Baits were randomly placed by burial within a 50-m radius of the den. Activity of all dens was assessed until December 1994 for direct/indirect signs of fox cubs. Bait uptake was >88% overall for the treatment dens. The resulting incidence of cubs was significantly lower in the treatment dens than in the controls. The potential for cabergoline to be used in urban areas and island populations as an adjunct to conventional control methods is discussed.

scholarly journals The competitor release effect applied to carnivore species: how red foxes can increase in numbers when persecuted

2013 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-46
Author(s):  
J. Lozano ◽  
◽  
J. G. Casanovas ◽  
E. Virgós ◽  
J. M. Zorrilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Intrinsic Rate ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Unintended Effects ◽  
Predator Control ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Carnivore Species ◽  
Theoretical Predictions

The objective of our study was to numerically simulate the population dynamics of a hypothetical community of three species of small to medium–sized carnivores subjected to non–selective control within the context of the competitor release effect (CRE). We applied the CRE to three carnivore species, linking interspecific competition with predator control efforts. We predicted the population response of European badger, the red fox and the pine marten to this wildlife management tool by means of numerical simulations. The theoretical responses differed depending on the intrinsic rate of growth (r), although modulated by the competition coefficients. The red fox, showing the highest r value, can increase its populations despite predator control efforts if control intensity is moderate. Populations of the other two species, however, decreased with control efforts, even reaching extinction. Three additional theoretical predictions were obtained. The conclusions from the simulations were: 1) predator control can play a role in altering the carnivore communities; 2) red fox numbers can increase due to control; and 3) predator control programs should evaluate the potential of unintended effects on ecosystems.

Cats (Felis catus) are more abundant and are the dominant predator of woylies (Bettongia penicillata) after sustained fox (Vulpes vulpes) control

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola J. Marlow ◽  
Neil D. Thomas ◽  
Andrew A. E. Williams ◽  
Brian Macmahon ◽  
John Lawson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Predation Rate ◽  
Felis Catus ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Recovery Programs ◽  
Invasive Predators ◽  
Bettongia Penicillata ◽  
Fox Control

The control of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) is a key component of many fauna recovery programs in Australia. A question crucial to the success of these programs is how fox control influences feral cat abundance and subsequently affects predation upon native fauna. Historically, this question has been difficult to address because invasive predators are typically challenging to monitor. Here, non-invasive DNA analysis was used to determine the fate of radio-collared woylies (Bettongia penicillata) in two reserves in a mesic environment where foxes had been controlled intensively for over two decades. Woylie trap success had increased more than 20-fold after fox baiting commenced in the 1980s but decreased precipitously in 2000. Ninety-eight monitored woylies were killed between 2006 and 2009. DNA analysis of swabs taken from radio-collars and carcasses of these woylies indicated that predation by cats (Felis catus) caused most mortalities (65%) and was three times the fox predation rate (21%). Also, indices of cat abundance were higher in fox-baited sites where foxes were less abundant. Predation on woylies by cats was greater than previously recognised and, by implication, may significantly reduce the effectiveness of fox control programs throughout Australia. Integrated fox and cat control is essential to ensure the success of fauna recovery programs.

The longevity of 1080 egg-baits in a regularly baited nature reserve in south-western Australia

2001 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie E. Twigg ◽  
Neville E. Kok ◽  
Winifred E. Kirkpatrick ◽  
Geoff Burrow
Keyword(s):  
Exponential Decay ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Predator Control ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Injection Hole ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Bait Stations ◽  
Fox Control

The longevity of 1080 in egg-baits (4.5 mg 1080 per egg) used for fox control was monitored at the Corackerup Nature Reserve, Western Australia. Irrespective of season, most egg-baits (94%) were found to retain sufficient 1080 to be theoretically lethal to all foxes for at least 42 days, and 75% of baits contained an LD50 of 1080 at Day 63. Exponential decay curves also predicted that these baits would remain toxic to most foxes for up to 32 weeks, depending upon environmental conditions. Sealing the injection hole with wax, or using sterile techniques to prepare some egg-baits, appeared to have little effect on the longevity of 1080 in these baits compared with that of unsealed eggs. Bait take, and identification of those species taking bait, were monitored over 12 days at 216 permanent bait stations in the reserve. Track plots were present for 3–6 days on 83 of these stations in spring and summer but not in winter. In spring and summer, of those species likely to take bait, goannas were the most frequent visitors to the track plots and they were also responsible for most of the baits taken at this time (59% and 90% of baits taken). Foxes accounted for 27% (spring), 8% (summer) and 75% (winter) of the egg-baits taken. No egg-baits were taken by goannas in winter, but the overall bait take was also low at this time (28 of 211 baits laid; 13%). Overall bait take after 12 days in spring and summer was 64% (135 of 211) and 68% (145 of 212) of baits laid. Except for goannas, birds and other non-target species (e.g. bob-tail skink) took relatively few baits in any season. The implication of these findings for 1080-based predator-control programs are discussed.

Responses to Two Weight-loss Programs Based on Approximating the Diet to the Ideal: Differences Associated with Increased Cereal or Vegetable Consumption

2006 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 367-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ortega ◽  
Rodríguez-Rodríguez ◽  
Aparicio ◽  
Marín-Arias ◽  
López-Sobaler
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Anthropometric Data ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Weight Loss Programs ◽  
Spanish Women ◽  
The Ideal

The fight against excess weight and obesity is a health priority. The aim of this study was to analyze the anthropometric changes induced by two weight control programs based on approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal (increasing the consumption of foods with the largest differences between the recommended and observed intakes: cereals and vegetables – for which a minimum of 6 and 3 servings/day are recommended, respectively). The study subjects were 57 Spanish women with a body-mass index (BMI) of 24–35 kg/m², all of whom were randomly assigned to one of two slightly hypocaloric diets for a six-week period: diet V, in which the consumption of greens and vegetables was increased, or diet C, in which the consumption of cereals was increased. Dietetic and anthropometric data were collected at the start of the study and again at two and six weeks. The dietary intervention approximated the subjects’ energy provision from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to those recommended. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) improved with both diets. Reductions in body weight, BMI, and the amount of body fat (kg) were also achieved with both diets. Weight loss was 1.56 ± 0.93 kg and 1.02 ± 0.55 kg at two weeks with diet C and V respectively, and 2.8 ± 1.4 kg and 2.0 ± 1.3 kg at six weeks (p < 0.05). Approximating the diet to the theoretical ideal by increasing the consumption of vegetables or cereals may therefore be of use in weight control. In terms of weight loss and the improvement of the diet quality (energy profile and HEI), diet C was significantly more effective than diet V.

Primary osteoblast culture from red fox (Vulpes Vulpes)

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ines Pedro Perpetuo ◽  
Alessandro Felder ◽  
Andrew Pitsillides ◽  
Michael Doube ◽  
Isabel Orriss
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Primary Osteoblast ◽  
Osteoblast Culture
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