Variation in the diet of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in mountain habitats: Effects of altitude and season

0332674 - ÚBO 2011 RIV DE eng J - Journal Article
Hartová-Nentvichová, M. - Šálek, M. - Červený, Jaroslav - Koubek, Petr
Variation in the diet of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in mountain habitats: Effects of altitude and season.
Mammalian Biology. Roč. 75, č. 4 (2010), s. 334-340. ISSN 1616-5047. E-ISSN 1618-1476
R&D Projects: GA ČR GA524/06/0687
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60930519
Keywords : red fox * food * mountain habitats
Subject RIV: EH - Ecology, Behaviour
Impact factor: 1.264, year: 2010

The diet of the red fox in mountain habitats comprises a broad spectrum of items, including big ungulates (the red fox makes use of carcass), other vertebrates, various invertebrate species, fruits, and also indigestible items. Principal components reflected the seasonal pattern in food composition (56.7% of variation in taxonomic groups among the areas and seasons) as well as altitudinal gradient (24.0% of this variation). We refer to proportional increase of Carnivora, Reptilia, Amphibia, earthworms, Mollusca, fruits, Coleoptera and other Insects in growing season compared with non-growing season at the expense of decrease in proportion of Rodentia, Artiodactyla and galliform birds. The higher occurrence of Lagomorpha, fishes, plants and indigestible items in the diet consumed in the foothills reflects their wide supplies in the urbanised areas or their functioning as prey alternatives under food conditions in lower altitudes.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0177858