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

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1995
Authors:Meia, JS, Weber, JM
Journal:Canadian Journal of Zoology
Volume:73
Pagination:1960-1966
Date Published:1995
Keywords:Vulpes vulpes
Abstract:

Thirteen Vulpes vulpes were radio-tracked 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 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 eradication of rabies, rural areas of central Europe are very good habitats for foxes. In the absence of clumped feeding patches or constraining factors (eg 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, 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. -Authors"

Taxonomic name: 
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