Influence of Red Fox Predation on a Local Population of Small Rodents : II. Food Habits of the Red Fox

Abstract

In the present survey of a red fox population, the number of foxes decreased from two families consisting of twelve individuals in 1974 to only one adult in 1978. Food habits of the red foxes were studied by fecal analyses and direct observations. The weight of undigested materials found in the feces was measured and the percentages of respective food items eaten were estimated by referring to the coefficient of digestibility of each food item. Small rodents were the predominant food in spring but consumption of plant items increased in autumn; carrion comprised the main food in winter. It was suspected that many placentae from cows breeding in dairy farms in the study area were consumed. The eating habits of the foxes were discussed in relation to the seasonal changes in food sources in the field. The collecting ratio of feces was estimated from the number and weight of their feces in order to learn their predatory effect on small rodents.