Prey selection and habitat partitioning in sympatric coyote and red fox populations, southwest Yukon

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 1285-1290 ◽  
Author(s):  
John B. Theberge ◽  
Chris H. R. Wedeles
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Canis Latrans ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
Lepus Americanus ◽  
Habitat Partitioning ◽  
Alternative Prey ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Snowshoe Hares ◽  
Selection Of

Sympatric coyotes (Canis latrans) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in the southwest Yukon, studied across the peak of a snow-shoe hare (Lepus americanus) cycle, differed little from one another in prey selection, and both were heavily dependent on snowshoe hares. After the hare crash, however, foxes turned more to alternative prey than did coyotes. Foxes and coyotes differed in their selection of habitat patches and use of edge. Coyotes exploited edges, where hares were most abundant, and open communities, whereas foxes showed no significant use of edge and used brushy communities. The coexistence of red foxes and coyotes in the southwest Yukon may be facilitated by balancing competitive abilities: foxes persist because of elasticity in their choice of prey and coyotes persist by dominating edges.

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.

Dynamics of a snow shoe hare population in fragmented habitat

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (7) ◽  
pp. 1385-1392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lloyd B. Keith ◽  
Sara E. M. Bloomer ◽  
Tomas Willebrand
Keyword(s):  
Patch Size ◽  
Canis Latrans ◽  
Lepus Americanus ◽  
Fragmented Habitat ◽  
Proximate Cause ◽  
Lower Survival ◽  
The Third ◽  
Snowshoe Hares ◽  
Poorly Drained Soils ◽  
Hare Population

During November 1988 – December 1991 we livetrapped, radio-collared, and monitored the survival, reproduction, and movements of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) in highly fragmented habitat near the species' geographic limit in central Wisconsin. Our 7 study areas centered on 5- to 28-ha patches of prime habitat: dense stands of willow (Salix), alder (Alnus), and regenerating aspen (Populus) on poorly drained soils. Maximum hare densities averaged 1.6 – 0.8/ha, and were unrelated to patch size. Rapid declines to extinction occurred on 3 of the 5 smallest study areas; on another, where extinction seemed imminent, juvenile ingress restored the population. On the 2 largest areas (23 – 28 ha of prime habitat) hare populations were stationary during the first 2 years, but declined by 50 – 70% in the third as mean annual (September – August) survival of radio-collared hares fell from 0.27 (1988 – 1990) to 0.07 (1990 – 1991). Annual survival on the 3 extinction sites averaged just 0.015 compared with 0.179 elsewhere. Reproduction did not differ between small (5 – 7 ha) vs. larger (23 – 28 ha) patches nor between years. Estimated dispersal of adult and juvenile hares from the 5 small study areas was twice as high as from the 2 larger, viz. 16 vs. 35% annually. Dispersers appeared to have markedly lower survival. Predation, chiefly by coyotes (Canis latrans), was the proximate cause of 96% (117 of 122) of natural deaths among radio-collared hares, and was therefore the overwhelming determinant of survival and thus population trend. Results of this study suggest that probabilities of extinction in such fragmented habitat depend importantly on patch size and attendant hare numbers; i.e., fall populations of < 10 hares frequenting patches of prime habitat ≤ 5 ha are not likely to persist long without ingress.

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.

scholarly journals Population Structure of Harvested Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and Coyotes (Canis latrans) on Prince Edward Island, Canada

2013 ◽  
Vol 126 (4) ◽  
pp. 288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendela Wapenaar ◽  
Fiep De Bie ◽  
David Johnston ◽  
Ryan M. O'Handley ◽  
Herman W. Barkema
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Prince Edward Island ◽  
Canis Latrans ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Wild Canids ◽  
Agricultural Areas

An understanding of the population dynamics and habitat of wild Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and Coyotes (Canis latrans) is a prerequisite to wildlife management. This information is also important in assessing the risk these wild canids pose to the public and domestic animals. On Prince Edward Island, information on age, sex, reproductive activity, and habitat use of 271 Red Foxes and 201 Coyotes was collected in the hunting and trapping season of 2004–2005. The estimated age of Red Foxes and Coyotes ranged from 0.5 to 13.5 years. A large proportion of harvested Red Foxes and Coyotes (58% and 48%, respectively) consisted of juveniles. The sex ratio was not significantly different from 1:1 for either species. Average litter size was 5.0 and 5.2 for Red Foxes and Coyotes, respectively. Number of placental scars ranged from 0 to 7 in Red Foxes and from 0 to 11 in Coyotes. Agricultural areas were the main habitat type (52%) of harvested Red Foxes. For harvested Coyotes, forest was the main habitat (44%), followed closely by agricultural areas (43%). Urban areas were a significant part (13%) of the habitat of Red Foxes. These data can be used to monitor population dynamics over time, provide information for wildlife management, and provide information on potential risk areas for disease transmission by wild canids.

Low Prevalence ofEchinococcus multilocularisin Michigan, U.S.A.: A Survey of Coyotes (Canis latrans), Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and Gray Foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), 2009–2012

2015 ◽  
Vol 82 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie R. Melotti ◽  
Patrick M. Muzzall ◽  
Daniel J. O’Brien ◽  
Thomas M. Cooley ◽  
Jean I. Tsao
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Canis Latrans ◽  
Urocyon Cinereoargenteus ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Low Prevalence

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.

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