Morphology and morphometry of the appendicular skeleton of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes)

1979 ◽  
Vol 57 (11) ◽  
pp. 2089-2099 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Bisaillon ◽  
Laszlo DeRoth
Keyword(s):  
Adult Female ◽  
Adult Male ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Appendicular Skeleton ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Limb Bones ◽  
Pelvic Limb ◽  
Morphology And Morphometry

The morphological and morphometrical characteristics of the limb bones are studied in 8 adult male and 17 adult female red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Although the appendicular skeleton is similar in structure in both sexes, it is possible to distinguish between male and female animals using some measurements of the pelvic limb bones.

Variation in fur farm and wild populations of the red fox, Vulpes vulpes (Carnivora: Canidae) — Part I: Morphometry

2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 589-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Zatoń-Dobrowolska ◽  
Magdalena Moska ◽  
Anna Mucha ◽  
Heliodor Wierzbicki ◽  
Piotr Przysiecki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Selective Breeding ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Morphometric Traits ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Ear Height ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
The Right ◽  
Almost All

This paper demonstrates the influence of artificial selection on morphometric traits in the red fox [Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758)]. Measurements and two proportion coefficients were analysed in 132 wild and 199 farm red foxes. The two groups differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) on all but one of the measurements. Eight out of 11 measurements were significantly greater in the farm fox population, while only tail length, ear height, and length of the right hind limb were greater in the population of wild foxes. The opposite trend was observed when analysing variation in the measurements — the farm foxes were characterized by a greater variability only in the case of body weight, body length, and breadth of chest. When analysing the sexual dimorphism index in different sex and population groups, in almost all analysed traits, the greatest differences occurred between farm males and wild females. All of the traits examined in this study are important for survival of wild foxes. However, because importance of some traits was reduced during domestication and selective breeding (farm foxes do not have to fight for survival), the genetic relationship between them may have weakened. Other possible causes of morphological differences between the studied groups of red foxes are discussed as well.

scholarly journals Adaptations of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) to urban environments in Sydney, Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Margarita Gil-Fernández ◽  
Robert Harcourt ◽  
Thomas Newsome ◽  
Alison Towerton ◽  
Alexandra Carthey
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Canis Lupus Familiaris ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Sydney Australia ◽  
Site Types

Abstract With urban encroachment on wild landscapes accelerating globally, there is an urgent need to understand how wildlife is adapting to anthropogenic change. We compared the behaviour of the invasive red fox (Vulpes vulpes) at eight urban and eight peri-urban areas of Sydney, Australia. We observed fox behaviour around a lure and compared fox activity patterns to those of potential prey and to two domestic predators (dogs—Canis lupus familiaris and cats—Felis catus). We assessed the influence of site type, vegetation cover, and distance from habitation on fox behaviour, and compared the temporal activity patterns of urban and peri-urban red foxes. Urban red foxes were marginally more nocturnal than those in peri-urban areas (88% activity overlap). There was greater overlap of red fox activity patterns with introduced mammalian prey in urban areas compared with peri-urban areas (90% urban vs 84% peri-urban). Red fox temporal activity overlapped 78% with cats, but only 20% with dogs, across both site types. The high degree of overlap with cats and introduced mammalian prey is most likely explained by the nocturnal behaviour of these species, while pet dogs are generally kept in yards or indoors at night. The behavioural differences we documented by urban red foxes suggest they may adapt to human modifications and presence, by being more nocturnal and/or more confident in urban areas.

scholarly journals Genetic Structure and Gene Flow in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Scandinavia: Implications for the Potential Future Spread of Echinococcus multilocularis Tapeworm

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (24) ◽  
pp. 5289
Author(s):  
Mari Hagenlund ◽  
Arne Linløkken ◽  
Kjartan Østbye ◽  
Zea Walton ◽  
Morten Odden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Population Ecology ◽  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Genetic Structuring ◽  
High Level

Knowledge about the dispersal and gene flow patterns in wild animals are important for our understanding of population ecology and the connectedness of populations. It is also important for management relating to disease control and the transmission of new and emerging diseases. Our study aimed to evaluate the genetic structuring among comparative samples of red foxes in a small part of Scandinavia and to estimate the gene flow and potential directionality in the movements of foxes using an optimized set of microsatellite markers. We compared genetic samples of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from two areas in Sweden and two areas in Norway, including red fox samples from areas where the occurrence of the cyclophyllic tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis has been documented, and areas without known occurrence of the parasite. Our results show a high level of gene flow over considerable distances and substantiates migration from areas affected with E. multilocularis into Norway where the parasite is not yet detected. The results allow us to better understand the gene flow and directionality in the movement patterns of red foxes, which is important for wildlife management authorities regarding the spread of E. multilocularis.

Are the monophlebid genera Drosichoides Morrison and Buchnericoccus Reyne synonyms? (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha, Monophlebidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4497 (2) ◽  
pp. 285
Author(s):  
BO-WEN WU ◽  
SAN-AN WU
Keyword(s):  
Adult Female ◽  
Adult Male ◽  
Junior Synonym ◽  
Male And Female

The morphology of the adult male of Drosichoides ?haematoptera (Cockerell) is redescribed and illustrated and the adult female of Buchnericoccus sp. (Hemiptera: Monophlebidae) is also described and illustrated. These male and female specimens perhaps are conspecific. Genus Buchericoccus Reyne may be a junior synonym of genus Drosichoides Morrison. 

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal spread of sarcoptic mange in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Switzerland over more than 60 years: lessons learnt from comparative analysis of multiple surveillance tools

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Roberto Rolando Pisano ◽  
Fridolin Zimmermann ◽  
Luca Rossi ◽  
Simon Capt ◽  
Ezgi Akdesir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
19Th Century ◽  
General Health ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Sarcoptes Scabiei ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Sarcoptic Mange ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
First Case ◽  
Combining Data

Abstract Background Sarcoptic mange is a contagious skin disease of wild and domestic mammals caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Reports of sarcoptic mange in wildlife increased worldwide in the second half of the 20th century, especially since the 1990s. The aim of this study was to provide new insights into the epidemiology of mange by (i) documenting the emergence of sarcoptic mange in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the last decades in Switzerland; and (ii) describing its spatiotemporal spread combining data obtained through different surveillance methods. Methods Retrospective analysis of archived material together with prospective data collection delivered a large dataset from the 19th century to 2018. Methods included: (i) a review of historical literature; (ii) screening of necropsy reports from general health surveillance (1958–2018); (iii) screening of data on mange (1968–1992) collected during the sylvatic rabies eradication campaign; (iv) a questionnaire survey (<1980–2017) and (v) evaluation of camera-trap bycatch data (2005–2018). Results Sarcoptic mange in red foxes was reported as early as 1835 in Switzerland. The first case diagnosed in the framework of the general health surveillance was in 1959. Prior to 1980, sarcoptic mange occurred in non-adjacent surveillance districts scattered all over the country. During the period of the rabies epidemic (1970s-early 1990s), the percentage of foxes tested for rabies with sarcoptic mange significantly decreased in subregions with rabies, whereas it remained high in the few rabies-free subregions. Sarcoptic mange re-emerged in the mid-1990s and continuously spread during the 2000–2010s, to finally extend to the whole country in 2017. The yearly prevalence of mange in foxes estimated by camera-trapping ranged from 0.1–12%. Conclusions Sarcoptic mange has likely been endemic in Switzerland as well as in other European countries at least since the mid-19th century. The rabies epidemics seem to have influenced the pattern of spread of mange in several locations, revealing an interesting example of disease interaction in free-ranging wildlife populations. The combination of multiple surveillance tools to study the long-term dynamics of sarcoptic mange in red foxes in Switzerland proved to be a successful strategy, which underlined the usefulness of questionnaire surveys.

scholarly journals Survey on viral pathogens in wild red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Germany with emphasis on parvoviruses and analysis of a DNA sequence from a red fox parvovirus

1998 ◽  
Vol 121 (2) ◽  
pp. 433-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. TRUYEN ◽  
T. MÜLLER ◽  
R. HEIDRICH ◽  
K. TACKMANN ◽  
L. E. CARMICHAEL
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequence ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Canine Parvovirus ◽  
Domestic Dog ◽  
Interspecies Transmission ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Feline Panleukopenia Virus ◽  
Free Ranging

The seroprevalence of canine parvovirus (CPV), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine adenovirus (CAV) and canine herpesvirus (CHV) infections in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) was determined in fox sera collected between 1991 and 1995. A total of 500 sera were selected and the seroprevalences were estimated to be 13% (65 of 500 sera) for CPV, 4·4% (17 of 383 sera) for CDV, 3·5% (17 of 485 sera) for CAV, and 0·4% (2 of 485 sera) for CHV, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two (rural and suburban) areas under study.Parvovirus DNA sequences were amplified from tissues of free-ranging foxes and compared to those of prototype viruses from dogs and cats. We report here a parvovirus sequence indicative of a true intermediate between the feline panleukopenia virus-like viruses and the canine parvovirus-like viruses. The red fox parvoviral sequence, therefore, appears to represent a link between those viral groups. The DNA sequence together with a significant seroprevalence of parvovirus infections in foxes supports the hypothesis that the sudden emergence of canine parvovirus in the domestic dog population may have involved the interspecies transmission between wild and domestic carnivores.

Assuring that 1080 toxicosis in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is humane. II. Analgesic drugs produce better welfare outcomes

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clive A. Marks ◽  
Frank Gigliotti ◽  
Frank Busana
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Drug Dose ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Fluoroacetic Acid ◽  
Peripheral Analgesia ◽  
Anxiolytic Drugs ◽  
Trial Drug ◽  
External Stimuli ◽  
Oral Doses

Fluoroacetic acid (1080) is a widely used vertebrate pesticide in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia it is used in meat baits as the primary method of control for the introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Subsequent to the onset of initial signs, collapse and convulsions are associated with central nervous system disruptions where the animal is unresponsive to external stimuli, making an assessment of humaneness difficult. Prior to collapse and unconsciousness it would appear that there is potential for suffering to occur although its extent and nature during the entire toxicosis remains unclear. We investigated various formulations of 1080 with either analgesic or anxiolytic drugs in order to manage possible suffering experienced during 1080 poisoning of red foxes. Oral doses of 0.5 mg kg−1 1080 alone produced no visible signs for a mean of 205.3 min (±28 min, P < 0.05), but were lethal after signs that lasted a mean of 103 min (±16 min, P < 0.05). Combinations of 0.5 mg kg−1 1080 with either 10 mg kg−1 carprofen (CA), 0.4 mg kg−1 copper indomethacin (CI) or 10 mg kg−1 buspirone (BS) were assessed in pen trials and compared with a group that received 0.5 mg kg−1 1080 only and one that received the drug dose only. CI reduced the time between the onset of signs and death (P < 0.01) and CA reduced the overall intensity of activity from dosage to death (P < 0.05). A significant reduction in the incidence of retching during the onset of signs was observed in foxes that were coadministered CA (P < 0.05) or CI (P < 0.01) with 1080 compared with 1080 alone. The combination of BS and 1080 halved the mean activity from first signs to death, but was not statistically significant. In a separate trial, drug and 1080 combinations were delivered to penned foxes using an M-44 ejector. Neither 70 mg CA nor 2.8 mg CI appeared to affect the lethality of 1080 doses, although 70 mg BS produced a result that was equivocal and warrants further investigation. Coadministration of 70 mg diazepam was associated with the survival of six of nine foxes and suggests that there may be the potential for diazepam to act in the treatment of accidentally poisoned domestic dogs and this is discussed briefly. Given evidence for both central and peripheral analgesia, its potential to reduce the duration of signs and incidence of retching, CI shows immediate potential to be used with 1080 fox baits and to assist in delivering better welfare outcomes in fox control.

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis of Nutrient Digestibility and Nitrogen Retention in Wild and Farmed Canids

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Gugołek ◽  
Janusz Strychalski ◽  
Małgorzata Konstantynowicz ◽  
Cezary Zwoliński
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Nitrogen Retention ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Nyctereutes Procyonoides ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
The Common ◽  
Raccoon Dogs

Abstract The aim of this study, conducted in November 2012, was to determine whether farming of common foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) leads to changes in nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention in comparison with their wild counterparts. Wild and farmed animals were compared within and between species. Each group consisted of five males and five females aged around eight months. Farmed silver foxes - a variety of the common red fox (group FSF) and farmed raccoon dogs (group FRD) were purchased from a breeding farm in southeastern Poland. Wild red foxes (group WRF) and wild raccoon dogs (group WRD) were trapped in the hunting grounds of the Polish Hunting Association (Olsztyn Division). The animals were placed in metabolism cages. The coefficients of nutrient and energy digestibility, and daily nitrogen balance and retention values were compared between groups. Farmed animals tended to have higher digestibility coefficients than their wild counterparts. No significant differences were noted within species. The coefficients of dry matter (P≤0.01), organic matter (P≤0.05, P≤0.05) and protein (only FSF vs. WRD - P≤0.05) digestibility were higher in foxes. Raccoon dogs were characterized by higher digestibility of carbohydrates - N-free extracts (P≤0.01). Nitrogen retention was higher in farmed animals. The highest and lowest levels of retained nitrogen were observed in groups FSF and WRD, respectively

Morphology and digestive efficiency of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and grey foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) in relation to diet

1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Renzulli Jaslow
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Masticatory Muscles ◽  
Moment Arm ◽  
Urocyon Cinereoargenteus ◽  
Digestive Efficiency ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Dietary Preference ◽  
Moment Arms ◽  
Resistance Moment

Measurements of the skull and dentition, and digestive efficiency of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and grey foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) were compared to determine whether differences in morphology and digestive ability could be associated with dietary preference. The longer jaws of the more carnivorous red fox increase the resistance moment arm when biting at the canines and carnassials, but greater size and mechanical leverage of the masticatory muscles in this species compensate for this, enabling the red fox to bite with forces that should be comparable to or exceed those of the grey fox. The relatively shorter masticatory moment arms of the more omnivorous–insectivorous grey fox should increase bite speed. Both fox species digested mice with equal efficiency, but the more omnivorous grey foxes had higher digestive efficiencies than red foxes when fed a diet of fruit. These morphological and physiological differences observed between sympatric red foxes and grey foxes may allow each species to exploit different foods more effectively.

scholarly journals Phylogenetic status and diet of red fox (Vulpes vulpes griffithii) inhabiting Ayubia National Park, Pakistan

2024 ◽  
Vol 84 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Rafaqat ◽  
T. Mahmood ◽  
L. M. Hennelly ◽  
F. Akrim ◽  
I. Uz-Zaman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
National Park ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Ovis Aries ◽  
Maternal Lineage ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Mitochondrial Cytochrome B ◽  
Phylogenetic Status

Abstract The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a medium-sized carnivore that occurs in different regions of Pakistan, however, still lacks scientific data on its ecology and distribution. The current study investigated the phylogenetic status and diet of the red fox (V.v. griffithii) occurring in Ayubia National Park, Pakistan. Through camera trapping and molecular analysis, we confirmed the occurrence of red fox in the study area. Based on mitochondrial cytochrome B (304 bp) and limited sampling, nearly all red foxes of Ayubia National Park and surrounding Himalayan ranges fall within Holarctic maternal lineage, whereas red foxes found in plains of Pakistan are part of the basal Palearctic maternal lineage. Using 32 scats, we found that red fox diet comprises of 80% animal-based prey species (both wild and domestic) and 19% plant matter. The wild animal prey species included Cape hare (Lepus capensis) and flying squirrel (Pteromyini sp.), which constituted 17% and 15% of diet, respectively. Red foxes infrequently consumed House mouse (Mus musculus), Himalayan Palm civet (Paguma larvata) and sheep (Ovis aries), each comprising around 6% to 9% of red fox diet. The fox species also scavenged on domestic donkey opportunistically. Based on our sampling, our study suggests that the red fox (V.v. griffithii) that occurs in Ayubia National Park and across the lesser Himalayan ranges belongs to Holarctic maternal lineage. The study also highlights consumption of plant seeds by red foxes, indicating it may play an important ecological role in seed dispersal in Ayubia National Park.

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