Predation by red fox on European roe deer fawns in relation to age, sex, and birth date

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 416-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anders Jarnemo ◽  
Olof Liberg ◽  
Steffan Lockowandt ◽  
Agneta Olsson ◽  
Kjell Wahlström
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Total Mortality ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Predation Rate ◽  
Birth Date ◽  
Birth Peak ◽  
Overall Mortality

Mortality in radio-marked European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus (Linnaeus, 1758)) neonates was studied during 14 years in a mixed forest–agricultural landscape in Sweden. A total of 233 fawns were marked. Births were synchronized, with 79% occurring during 25 days and a peak between 25 May and 7 June encompassing 62% of the births. Overall mortality was 42%, but in three single years, it exceeded 85%. Predation by red fox (Vulpes vulpes Desmarest, 1820) accounted for 81% of total mortality. The effects of age, sex, and time of birth on the vulnerability to predation were analysed. Fawns born just after the birth peak had the lowest predation risk. Predation rate was highest for the fawns that had the very earliest or the very latest birth dates. Predation thereby seems to strengthen the birth synchrony in roe deer. Contrary to earlier published findings, there was no difference in susceptibility to predation between the sexes. Also differing from earlier findings was that predation rate was highest during the first week of life and declined thereafter almost linearly. The majority of the fawns (85%) were killed before 30 days of age and 98% before 40 days. Different types of landscapes may explain the discrepancies between our study and earlier findings.

The effects of sex, time of birth, and habitat on the vulnerability of roe deer fawns to red fox predation

1996 ◽  
Vol 74 (10) ◽  
pp. 1857-1865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronny Aanes ◽  
Reidar Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Total Mortality ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Predation Rate ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Minor Part ◽  
Birth Peak ◽  
A Minor

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) predation on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) fawns was studied using radiotelemetry techniques on an island in central Norway. Red foxes killed 48% of the monitored roe deer fawns within 60 days of birth, and mortality from other factors constituted only a minor part (5%) of the total mortality. The predation rate was lower in first week of life than during the subsequent 3 weeks. Male roe deer fawns were four times more susceptible to red fox predation than female fawns. We argue that these results reflect differences in behaviour between the sexes. There were some indications that time of birth may be important in determining vulnerability of fawns to red fox predation, with fawns born during the birth peak suffering more predation than fawns born outside the peak. The type of habitat a roe deer fawn used appeared to influence the probability of being killed by a red fox, and our results supported the hypothesis that hiding is a strategy to avoid predation in dense habitats. Fawns killed by red foxes used open grassland significantly more than surviving fawns, which used woodland to a greater extent.

scholarly journals Extensive Orchards in the Agricultural Landscape: Effective Protection against Fraying Damage Caused by Roe Deer

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (13) ◽  
pp. 3738
Author(s):  
Petr Marada ◽  
Jan Cukor ◽  
Rostislav Linda ◽  
Zdeněk Vacek ◽  
Stanislav Vacek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Efficiency ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Southeastern Part ◽  
Plastic Tube ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Observed Damage

The objective of this research was to determine the efficiency of different types of protective barriers and how they protect against fraying damage in extensive fruit tree orchards. Orchards in open agricultural land are the target of fraying damage caused by roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.). We assessed the effectiveness of four protective barriers: a rabbit-proof fence, a standard plastic tube commonly used in forestry, and an innovative plastic tube—variants with and without an additional rendering fat application. The study was situated in three extensive orchards in the southeastern part of Moravia in the Czech Republic. We analyzed the ratio of damaged trees, stem circumference damage, the length and height of damage on tree stems, the time periods with the most observed damage, and finally, the economic efficiency of each studied barrier. Most of the damage was observed in April and July. The most effective protective barrier was the innovative tube with rendering fat application (up to 100%) followed closely by the innovative tube without rendering fat application (95%). The standard plastic tube had an effectiveness of 49%, while the rabbit-proof fence was the least effective at 25%. In terms of the mean damage-lengths on tree stems, we found no significant differences between the rabbit-proof fence and the standard plastic tubes (21–22 cm). The usage of the innovative plastic tube without rendering fat reduced the average damage-length by half (10 cm) as compared to standard types (rabbit-proof fence, standard tube) of protection. The damage-heights on tree stems showed no significant differences among all variants (53–58 cm from the ground). Our analysis of economic parameters showed that rabbit-proof fencing had the worst cost efficiency, while the innovative tubes without rendering fat, had the best cost efficiency. We recommend starting the installation of protective barriers on trees in March, since we recorded relatively high activity of male roe deer in the following months.

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) mortality in relation to fodder harvest in agricultural landscape

Mammalia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 461-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Cukor ◽  
František Havránek ◽  
Zdeněk Vacek ◽  
Karel Bukovjan ◽  
Vilém Podrázský ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Landscape ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Search Method ◽  
Innovative Methods ◽  
Hunting Dogs ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Intensively Managed

Abstract In the agricultural landscape, thousands of animals are killed yearly as a result of agricultural machinery innovation, mostly because of a higher harvesting speed and wider cutting bars. Harvesting machines besides predation by red fox (Vulpes vulpes L.) on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) in the intensively managed cultural landscape are the most crucial factor in fawn mortality. This article offers an evaluation of the mostly used preventive methods, which aim to drive roe deer does along with their fawns out of fodder meadows prepared for harvest in the Czech Republic. Evaluation of efficiency and effectiveness of the different methods was made based on the questionnaire survey published in a professional hunting journal. The assessment of responses from a survey was followed by a field-based investigation conducted before fodder harvesting. The devices studied for efficiency were acoustic, optical and scent deterrents in comparison to the traditional search method combined with volunteers and hunting dogs. The results show differences in the number of fawns saved per hectare. A significant difference was found only between the optical deterrent method (0.4 fawns saved per hectare) and traditional search method (0.09 fawns saved per hectare). This study found no substantial difference among various deterring devices in terms of their effectiveness in reducing the mortality of roe deer fawns. Thus, it is important to explore the innovative methods in the future that can work most effectively for saving not only deer fawns, but also other game animals in the cultural landscape.

scholarly journals Response of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) to seasonal and local changes in dietary energy content and quality

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (10) ◽  
pp. 1315
Author(s):  
Andreas König ◽  
Martina Hudler ◽  
Sarah-Alica Dahl ◽  
Carmen Bolduan ◽  
Daniel Brugger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Fibre Content ◽  
Energy Concentration ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
Forest Habitat ◽  
Natural Diet ◽  
Agricultural Habitat

Context In terms of their nutritional physiology, roe deer have been called ‘concentrate selectors’. This implies that they select proteins in their diet and are not able to digest fibre. It is, thus, suggested that in an agricultural landscape, they are unable to digest the high fibre content of arable crops and, thus, suffer and need to be given supplementary feed. Aims Our aim was to determine the nutrient composition and energy content of the roe deer diet in an agricultural habitat compared with that in a natural forest habitat. Methods Rumen contents of 245 roe deer were collected to represent each month of the year for 3 years, weighed, and analysed by standard methods for nutrient and fibre content. Key results Roe deer in the agricultural habitat had rumen contents with significantly higher metabolisable energy (ME) concentrations, with a median of 6.2 MJ ME/kg DM, than did roe deer in the forest habitat, where the median was 5.4 MJ ME/kg DM. The mass of rumen contents in the forest habitat was, on average, 240 g higher than that in the agricultural habitat. Roe deer in the forest habitat compensate for the lower energy concentration in their natural diet by increasing their food intake. The concentration in the agricultural habitat is a result of the higher proportion of easily digestible carbohydrates in the diet. The concentration of crude protein in the rumen contents did not differ statistically between the two areas. In both habitats, the mean crude fibre concentration varied between 24% DM and 34% DM, and was significantly higher in the forest. The concentration of crude fibre selected by the roe deer is similar to the concentration of crude fibre known to be selected by red deer and fallow deer (intermediate feeders) and mouflon (a grazer) (Hofmann 1989). Conclusions The term ‘concentrate selector’ should be replaced by ‘selector’ to avoid misinterpretations. Energy shortfalls were not observed in either of the populations during the study period. Implications Supplemental feeding was not necessary to maintain the population.

scholarly journals Ticks on game animals in the fragmented agricultural landscape of western Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. 1781-1788
Author(s):  
Olaf Ciebiera ◽  
Andżelina Łopińska ◽  
Grzegorz Gabryś
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽  
Medical Problems ◽  
Haemaphysalis Concinna ◽  
First Time ◽  
Game Animals

AbstractTicks (Acari: Ixodida) are well known external parasites of game animals that cause serious veterinary and medical problems. The occurrence and geographical distribution of different species of ticks in Western Poland have changed over the last decades. The purpose of the present study was to determine the species spectrum and prevalence of ticks parasitizing three species of game animals, the Eurasian wild boar Sus scrofa L., red deer Cervus elaphus L., and roe deer Capreolus capreolus (L.) in two hunting districts in Lubuskie Province. In addition, the distribution of ticks on the host’s body and the intensity of infestation were determined. Ticks were collected from dead animals during the hunting seasons in 2013 and 2014, over the periods from May to June and from August to December. In total, 286 specimens were examined: 138 Eurasian wild boars, 8 red deers, and 140 roe deers. Altogether, 1891 ticks were collected. Three species of ticks were determined: Ixodes ricinus (L.), Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794), and Haemaphysalis concinna (C.L. Koch, 1844). H. concinna was recorded for the first time in Lubuskie Province.

scholarly journals Use of underpasses by animals on a fenced expressway in a suburban area in western Poland

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Ważna ◽  
Agnieszka Kaźmierczak ◽  
Jan Cichocki ◽  
Jacek Bojarski ◽  
Grzegorz Gabryś
Keyword(s):  
Sus Scrofa ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Domestic Dog ◽  
Stagnant Water ◽  
Suburban Areas ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
One Year

Expressways act as barriers to animals that block free movement in their habitats, especially when the roads are continuously fenced to prevent collisions between animals and vehicles. Various types of animal passages have been repeatedly studied in terms of their utility, albeit rather less frequently in the suburban environment. We conducted our research in a section of the fenced expressway S3 connecting two closely located cities in western Poland (Lubuskie province). Over the course of one year, we monitored four underpasses intended for small- and medium-sized animals using tracks. The underpasses were inspected weekly. Animal traces most frequently found belonged to roe deer Capreolus capreolus (20.9%), red fox Vulpes vulpes (15.1%), wild boar Sus scrofa (14%), and domestic dog Canis l. familiaris (12.4%). Surprisingly, the results of our study indicate that underpasses for small and medium mammals are also used by ungulate mammals. The use of the underpasses varied seasonally, being the highest in spring (37.9%) and the lowest in winter (10.4%). Moreover, seasonal differences in the use of passages were related to particular species/groups of animal species. We found that 22% of animals that entered the passage did not completely traverse it. People accounted for 17.1% of all stated traces in the underpasses. Stagnant water in the underpasses reduced the number of predatory mammals and wild boars using the underpasses but did not affect the activity of roe deer. These studies indicate that animal underpasses located in suburban areas are used by many species of animals despite the activity of humans and domesticated mammals.

scholarly journals Use of aerial thermography to reduce mortality of roe deer fawns before harvest

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e6923 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Cukor ◽  
Jan Bartoška ◽  
Jan Rohla ◽  
Jan Sova ◽  
Antonín Machálek
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Imaging Device ◽  
Short Time Span ◽  
Short Time

In agricultural landscape, there are thousands of young wild animals killed every year. Their deaths are caused mostly by agricultural fieldworks during spring harvest. Among the affected animals there are also fawns of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), which react to danger by pressing themselves against the ground in order to be protected from predators. There were various methods tested in the past aimed at decreasing roe deer mortality caused by agriculture machinery with varied levels of success. This contribution presents technology that documents the possibility of searching for fawns with a thermal imaging device carried by an unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The results are based on field research that estimated the ideal height of flight being ±40 meters above ground. If the climatic conditions are favourable, it is possible to monitor and mark fawn locations using GPS coordinates in an area of about 14 ha in 25 minutes, which is the average flight time of UAV on one battery charge. The thermo-camera is very reliable in finding fawns in early morning hours (4 to 6 a.m.) when there is the highest temperature contrast between the searched object and its surroundings. The main limiting factors are climatic conditions and the short time span in which the thermo-camera can be used. If the basic requirements are met, the rate of successful fawn detection can be even up to 100%. An undisputed advantage of this method is the possibility of involvement of local gamekeepers. Thus the agricultural fieldworks are not interrupted.

Effects of cohort, sex, and birth date on body development of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) fawns

Oecologia ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Gaillard ◽  
D. Delorme ◽  
J. M. Jullien
Keyword(s):  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Birth Date ◽  
Body Development

Ecological correlates of mortality of roe deer fawns in a predator-free environment

1998 ◽  
Vol 76 (7) ◽  
pp. 1217-1225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reidar Andersen ◽  
John D Linnell
Keyword(s):  
Roe Deer ◽  
Total Mortality ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Individual Growth ◽  
Population Increase ◽  
Subsequent Increase ◽  
Car Accidents ◽  
Annual Total ◽  
Free Environment

The mortality of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) fawns in summer was studied on Storfosna Island (10 km²), a predator-free island 2 km off the west-central coast of Norway, during a period of rapid population increase. Between 1991 and 1994 the population density increased from about 10 to 40 roe deer/km2. During this period 285 live and 36 stillborn fawns were found and the live fawns were all subsequently radio-collared. All observed mortality occurred within the first 35 days of life. The main causes of death were stillbirth, starvation/hypothermia, drowning, car accidents, and falls. The average annual total mortality for all 4 years was 18%. Although there was a large increase in mortality between 1991 and 1992 (from 10 to 18%), there was little subsequent increase in the last 3 years, resulting in an overall weak density dependence in total mortality. However, the proportion of stillbirths (5% in 1991 to 15% in 1994) showed a clear and significant trend toward an increase with increasing density. Low temperatures in April, which strongly affect the timing of the spring flush of high-quality forage during late gestation, also tended to contribute to higher mortality. Fawns that died were found to have reduced individual growth rates prior to death compared with fawns that survived. Fawns born to relatively light mothers or in triplet litters had higher mortality rates than those born to heavy mothers or in smaller litters. Maternal age and date of birth or sex of fawn had no effect on mortality.

Enamel Thickness Differs between Field and Forest European Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Jan Demesko ◽  
Marta Kurek ◽  
Patrycja Podlaszczuk ◽  
Janusz Markowski
Keyword(s):  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Enamel Thickness
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document