Diet of the introduced red fox Vulpes vulpes in Australia: analysis of temporal and spatial patterns. (27th May 2021) - Fleming, Patricia A.
Abstract: The red fox Vulpes vulpes is one of the world's most widespread carnivores. A key to its success has been its broad, opportunistic diet. The fox was introduced to Australia about 150 years ago, and within 30 years of its introduction was already recognised as a threat to livestock and native wildlife. We reviewed 85 fox diet studies (totalling 31693 samples) from throughout the species' geographic range within Australia. Mammals were a major component of fox diet, being present in 70 ± 19% of samples across n = 160 locations. Invertebrates (38 ± 26% n = 130) and plant material (26 ± 25% n = 123) were also both staple foods and often the dominant food category recorded. Birds (13 ± 11% n = 137) and reptiles (10 ± 15% n = 132) were also commonly reported, while frogs were scarcely represented (1.6 ± 3.6% n = 111) in fox diet studies. Biogeographical differences reveal factors that likely determine prey availability. Diet composition varied with ecosystem, level of vegetation clearing and condition, and climate zone. Sample type (i.e. stomach versus scat samples) also significantly influenced reporting of diet composition. Livestock and frogs were underrepresented in records based on analysis of scats, whereas small mammals (native rodents, dasyurid marsupials, and bats) were more likely to be recorded in studies of scats than in studies of stomach contents. Diet varied seasonally, reflecting activity patterns of prey species and food availability. This synthesis also captures temporal shifts in fox diet over 70 years (1951–2020), as foxes have switched to consuming more native species in the wake of successful broadscale biological control of the invasive European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus . Diet analyses, such as those summarised in this review, capture the evidence required to motivate for greater control of foxes in Australia. This synthesis also highlights the importance of integrated pest species management to meet biodiversity conservation outcomes. Abstract : Since its introduction to Australia about 150 years ago, the red fox has become established across all but the northern tropical climates. Foxes are opportunistic carnivores taking a broad range of food items, from the smallest insects through to large mammal species. Fox populations have been established and supplemented by the spread of other introduced species (black bars in this figure) – especially the invasive European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, house mouse Mus musculus, and livestock. Subsequent predation by foxes on native wildlife has devastated local wildlife populations, contributing to the extinction and extirpation of Australian native species. This review of 85 studies and about 31700 samples reveals biogeographical differences that capture the range of factors determining prey availability. This synthesis also identifies temporal shifts in fox diet over 70 years (1951–2020), as foxes have switched to consuming more native species in the wake of successful rabbit biocontrol. These changes highlight the importance of holistic management of invasive and introduced species for biodiversity conservation.