A Behavioural Comparison of Dispersing and Non-Dispersing Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and an Evaluation of Some Dispersal Hypotheses

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1990
Authors:Woollard, T, Harris, S
Journal:Journal of Animal Ecology
Volume:59
Pagination:709-722
Date Published:1990
ISBN Number:00218790
Keywords:Vulpes vulpes
Abstract:

(1) Radio-tracking data were obtained for twenty-one sub-adult male foxes (Vulpes vulpes L.) during the main dispersal period (October-February). The patterns of dispersal are described, and the ranging behaviour and activity patterns of twelve dispersing foxes are compared with those of nine non-dispersing foxes. (2) Dispersing and non-dispersing foxes had similar sized monthly home ranges, except for the months in which foxes actually dispersed. The number and size of the core areas of activity were not significantly different for dispersers and non-dispersers. The speed of travel and distance moved per night were greatest on nights in which dispersing foxes made exploratory trips to new areas; otherwise, there were no differences between dispersing and non-dispersing foxes. (3) Patterns of activity varied greatly both within and between individuals. However, dispersers and non-dispersers exhibited similar nocturnal activity patterns, with no significant differences in the levels of total activity, hourly activity and the duration of inactivity and activity bouts. (4) The number of daytime lying-up sites within each home range was highly variable between individuals. For non-dispersers, daytime lying-up sites were found more frequently within core areas of activity (56%), while for dispersing foxes daytime lying-up sites were more commonly found outside core areas of activity (65%). (5) The implications of these results are discussed in relation to recent theories concerning fox dispersal.

URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/4890
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Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith