Coyote – kit fox interactions as revealed by telemetry

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (10) ◽  
pp. 1831-1836 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. White ◽  
Katherine Ralls ◽  
Robert A. Garrott
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Predator Avoidance ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Kangaroo Rats ◽  
Kit Fox ◽  
Better Than

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) avoid areas used extensively by coyotes (Canis latrans), apparently to reduce encounters with coyotes and possible injury or death. It is conceivable that kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis) behave in a similar manner. We used telemetry to examine the spacing patterns and interactions among 24 coyotes and 38 San Joaquin kit foxes (V. m. mutica) in California during a period of declining and low prey abundance (1989–1991). Coyotes showed either territorial (n = 13) or transient (n = 11) spacing patterns, whereas all kit foxes were territorial. Spatially and temporally, coyote home ranges overlapped >30% of each fox home range. Both species used the overlap areas more than expected (P < 0.001), possibly because prey such as kangaroo rats were more abundant in these areas. Fifty-five percent of the areas used extensively by foxes during their nocturnal activities were overlapped by coyote nocturnal-use areas. Concurrently monitored coyotes and foxes that occupied overlapping home ranges (n = 25 combinations) were neither farther apart nor closer together than expected (P = 0.09–0.87), even when the coyote was in the fox's home range. Kit foxes did not avoid coyotes and may be able to coexist with them by exploiting certain prey species better than coyotes and maintaining numerous (≥20) dens throughout their home ranges to facilitate escape. Apparent differences in coyote – red fox and coyote – kit fox relations may be partially attributed to differences in resource selection and predator-avoidance strategies among fox species.

A comparison of coyote ecology after 25 years: 1978 versus 2003 This is Welder Wildlife Foundation contribution No. 651.

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 573-582 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.K. Young ◽  
W.F. Andelt ◽  
P.A. Terletzky ◽  
J.A. Shivik
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
South Texas ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Core Areas ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Index Value

Most ecological studies of coyotes are of short duration and studies are generally never repeated, thus the opportunity to compare changes in coyote ( Canis latrans Say, 1823) ecology over time is rare. We compared coyote home ranges, activity patterns, age, and diet at the Welder Wildlife Refuge in south Texas between 1978–1979 and 2003–2004 (25 years later). The Minta index of overlap between 1978 and 2003 home ranges was 51.7 ± 7.0 (n = 7), much greater than the Minta index value based on randomized tests (28.7 ± 8.6), indicating similar spatial patterns between time periods. The Minta index was 12.3 ± 6.2 (n = 7) for core areas, whereas the Minta index value based on randomized tests was 4.0 ± 3.0. Although overall diets were similar between 1978 and 2003, we detected some differences in prey species consumed. Activity patterns were similar between the two study periods, with peaks in movement occurring around sunrise and sunset. There was no difference in the mean age between the two populations (P = 0.44, n = 68, t[66] = 2.00). Our findings suggest that population features, such as home-range position and age structure, are similar between extended time periods, while individual-level patterns, such as the prey species consumed and distribution of locations within a home range, are dynamic and may reflect changes in the local environment.

Home Range and Activity Patterns of Red Foxes in Nadgee Nature Reserve.

1991 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 677 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Phillips ◽  
PC Catling
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Wilderness Area ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Sclerophyll Forest ◽  
Male Activity

Three adult red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in a 20-km2 wilderness area of coastal south-eastern Australia were studied during pre-denning and denning. Home ranges were defined by geographic featues, but not by roads. The foxes occupied exclusive home ranges, and observations suggest that they were territorial and existed alone or, at most, in mated pairs. Home-range sizes were small (1.2-5.2 km2) compared with those in North America and Europe, but similar to those in England and Wales. During denning the female's activity became almost entirely diurnal. When not active, the vixen was with the cubs. Male activity during denning was nocturnal, but, as found for the female, inactive periods were spent near the suspected den-site in his home range. Habitats that were frequented most by all foxes were those with the highest abundance of either small or medium-sized mammals. Dry sclerophyll forest was used consistently by all foxes but heathland and the beaches were rarely frequented. Small and medium-sized mammals, which were abundant in all habitats except the beach and heathland, made up 52.6% of items in the scats.

scholarly journals Great Gray Owl home range and habitat selection during the breeding-season

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 90-96
Author(s):  
Katherine Gura ◽  
Bryan Bedrosian ◽  
Anna D. Chalfoun ◽  
Susan Patla
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Resource Requirements

Identifying resource requirements of under-studied species during key stages such as breeding is critical for effective management. We quantified breeding-season home-range attributes and habitat selection of adult Great Gray Owls across multiple spatial (home-range and within-home-range level) and temporal (nesting and post-fledging; day versus night) scales in western Wyoming, USA. In 2018 and 2019 we outfitted adult male owls (n = 18) with GPS remote-download transmitters and collected hourly location data throughout the breeding season (1 May – 15 September). Using 50% and 95% kernel density estimates (KDE), mean core area was 1.2 km2 and mean home-range size was 6.2 km2 (n = 16). Resource selection analyses incorporated both remotely-sensed and microsite data. We conducted microsite surveys at used and available points within 95% KDE home ranges using a stratified random sample design (n = 661). Determining home-range and breeding habitat requirements will improve density estimates and facilitate the effective management of Great Gray Owls and their habitat. We found differing patterns between habitat selection at the home-range and within-home-range scales.   Featured photo by YNP on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/SA17KT

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.

Home Range and Habitat Selection of Female Mountain Nyalas (Tragelaphus Buxtoni) in the Human-Dominated Landscape of the Ethiopian Highlands

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anagaw Atickem ◽  
Matthias Klapproth ◽  
Martha Fischer ◽  
Dietmar Zinner ◽  
Leif Egil Loe
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Home Range ◽  
National Park ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Human Settlement ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Background: Human settlement and agricultural activities restrict increasingly the range of large mammals in many cases contributing to declining numbers of ungulates. Here, we studied home range size and habitat selection of female mountain nyalas in the northern end of the Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) (31 km2) surrounded by human settlement. We collected data on space use of seven adult female mountain nyalas equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. Home range size was estimated using fixed kernel density and habitat selection was determined by resource selection functions.Results: We found that female mountain nyalas have much smaller (5.7 km2) home ranges than the 19 km2 home range size predicted for a 170 kg, group-living species living in mixed habitats. Home ranges were 30% larger in night time than daytime. We suggest that the night time extension beyond the park boundaries were caused by both push and pull effects. The presumably high livestock and other ungulates grazing pressure within the protected area may cause forage-driven excursions out of the park, in particular during agricultural crop seasons. In addition, mountain nyalas are probably attracted by humans as shields against hyena predation. Resource selection index indicates bush land and forest habitat are the most preferred habitat types while agriculture and human settlements are least preferred habitats.Conclusions: Given that mountain nyalas are found in high density (24 individuals/km2) and the size of the northern part of the Bale Mountain National Park, which is currently under protection by the park authorities for the mountain nyala conservation, is too small for the predicted home range size of large ungulates, we suggest protecting additional area may be needed for the long-term conservation of the endangered mountain nyala.

Home ranges and movements of red foxes in central Europe: stability despite environmental changes

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (10) ◽  
pp. 1960-1966 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Steve Meia ◽  
Jean-Marc Weber
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Snow Cover ◽  
Central Europe ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Territory Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
The Individual

Thirteen red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were radio-tracked between September 1989 and August 1993 in the Swiss Jura mountains. Home ranges of subadult and adult resident foxes did not differ and were small (seasonal estimates 0.48–3.06 km2). A nomadic adult was also monitored; it used a significantly larger area (12.71–25.90 km2). In most cases, home range sizes did not vary seasonally and were not affected by drastic changes in food availability. That foxes maintain a constant territory size is in accordance with both the "contractor" and "obstinate" strategies. The small observed sizes suggest that after the eradication of rabies, rural areas of central Europe are very good habitats for foxes. In the absence of clumped feeding patches or constraining factors (e.g., deep snow cover), the foxes moved regularly throughout their home range, typically in a "non-oriented zigzag." The distance travelled per day seemed to be affected only by home range size (positive correlation) and occasionally, according to the individual, by weather or snow cover. On average, the foxes moved 3.9–12.0 km a day. Despite its significantly larger home range, the nomadic fox did not move more than the resident foxes; the physical characteristics of red foxes probably set a limit to the distance travelled daily.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Home Ranges of Red Foxes in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, Mongolia

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 51-58
Author(s):  
Tserendorj Munkhzul ◽  
◽  
Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar ◽  
James D. Murdoch ◽  
Richard P. Reading ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Intrinsic Factors ◽  
Range Dynamics

Changes in red fox home range size in relation to environmental and intrinsic factors were studied using radio-telemetry during 2006–2008 in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, southeastern Mongolia. We captured a total of 12 red foxes (8 females and 4 males) and fi tted them with VHF radio-collars. Marked animals were tracked up to fi ve times a week to estimate home ranges. We also trapped small mammal and insects in different biotopes for 3 years to estimate relative abundance of prey. Our results showed that mean individual home range sizes varied widely and differed among years. There was variation in home ranges between adults versus juveniles, but no signifi cant difference was found between males versus females. In addition, mean home range size did not differ seasonally for pooled years. Variation in home ranges was best explained by a model that included covariates of year and age. We suggest that spatiotemporal changes in resource availability across years infl uenced home range dynamics of red foxes in our study.

scholarly journals Accounting for location uncertainty in azimuthal telemetry data improves ecological inference

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian D. Gerber ◽  
Mevin B. Hooten ◽  
Christopher P. Peck ◽  
Mindy B. Rice ◽  
James H. Gammonley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Ecological Models ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Ecological Inference ◽  
Future Design ◽  
Location Uncertainty ◽  
The Impact

AbstractCharacterizing animal space use is critical to understand ecological relationships. Despite many decades of using radio-telemetry to track animals and make spatial inference, there are few statistical options to handle these unique data and no synthetic framework for modeling animal location uncertainty and accounting for it in ecological models. We describe a novel azimuthal telemetry model (ATM) to account for azimuthal uncertainty with covariates and propagate location uncertainty into ecological models. We evaluate the ATM with commonly used estimators in several study design scenarios using simulation. We also provide illustra-tive empirical examples, demonstrating the impact of ignoring location uncertainty within home range and resource selection analyses. We found the ATM to have good performance and the only model that has appropriate measures of coverage. Ignoring animal location un-certainty when estimating resource selection or home ranges can have pernicious effects on ecological inference. We demonstrate that home range estimates can be overly confident and conservative when ignoring location uncertainty and resource selection coefficients can lead to incorrect inference and over confidence in the magnitude of selection. Our findings and model development have important implications for interpreting historical analyses using this type of data and the future design of radio-telemetry studies.

Influence of primary prey on home-range size and habitat-use patterns of northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina)

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 433-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia J. Zabel ◽  
Kevin McKelvey ◽  
James P. Ward Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Strix Occidentalis ◽  
Flying Squirrels ◽  
Spotted Owls ◽  
Strix Occidentalis Caurina ◽  
Northern Spotted Owls

Correlations between the home-range size of northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina) and proportion of their range in old-growth forest have been reported, but there are few data on the relationship between their home-range size and prey. The primary prey of spotted owls are wood rats and northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus). Wood rats are larger and heavier than flying squirrels, and their population densities tend to be much greater than those of flying squirrels. We present data indicating that the home ranges of spotted owls are smaller where their diet consists predominantly of wood rats than where it consists predominantly of flying squirrels, and the proportion of the diet consisting of wood rats and flying squirrels explained significant variation in home-range size. We also found a significant correlation between home-range size and abundance of wood rats. These data indicate that prey species are a better predictor of home-range size than the proportion of older forest within spotted owl home ranges in the Klamath Province of northwestern California and southwestern Oregon, an area that is predominantly late-successional forest. Differences in habitat use were also related to prey species. Where spotted owls foraged for wood rats, the results indicated a preference for habitat edges, but where they utilized flying squirrels no such patterns were apparent.

Modelling the spatial population dynamics of arctic foxes: the effects of red foxes and microtine cycles

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (12) ◽  
pp. 1170-1183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark D.F. Shirley ◽  
Bodil Elmhagen ◽  
Peter W.W. Lurz ◽  
Steve P. Rushton ◽  
Anders Angerbjörn
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Interference Competition ◽  
Population Trends ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Arctic Fox ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Microtine Rodents ◽  
Arctic Foxes

The Fennoscandian arctic fox ( Vulpes lagopus (L., 1758)) population is critically endangered, possibly because of increased interference competition from red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes (L., 1758)) and fading cycles in microtine rodents, which cause food shortage. It is not known how these factors drive arctic fox population trends. To test their role in arctic fox decline, we developed a spatially explicit and individual-based model that allowed us to simulate fox interactions and food availability in a real landscape. A sensitivity analysis revealed that simulated arctic fox population size and den occupancy were strongly correlated with fecundity and mortality during the microtine crash phase, but also with red fox status. Model simulations suggested that arctic fox population trends depended on microtine cycles and that arctic fox distributions were restricted by red fox presence. We compared the model predictions with field data collected at Vindelfjällen, Sweden. The model recreated the observed arctic fox trend only with the inclusion of arctic fox avoidance of red fox home ranges. The results indicate that avoidance behaviours can affect population trends and hence that relatively small numbers of red foxes can have a strong negative impact on arctic fox population size and distribution.

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