Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Red fox'

When new populations are first identified in a region there are multiple potential sources: introduction of a non-native species, extra-range expansion of a nearby population, or demographic growth of a previously unnoticed species. Red foxes were absent or rare in the mid-eastern portion United States until the late 1800s. Their origins potentially include natural population increase/expansion, translocations from Europe, and, eventually, 20th century fur farming. In this study I attempt to identify the relative impact of native expansion versus human mediated introductions of both colonial era European foxes and early 20th century fur-farm foxes on the establishment of red foxes in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. I subsequently address the potential impacts of hybridization and nuclear introgression between previously separate sister taxa. Through analysis of mitochondrial DNA, I identified indigenous haplotypes, two European haplotypes, and fur-farm haplotypes; another set of haplotypes were potentially indigenous or native. In addition, I found European Y-chromosome haplotypes. Most European and fur-farm haplotypes were found near the densely human-populated coastal plain and Hudson River lowlands; most red foxes of the Appalachians and Piedmont had native eastern haplotypes. However, nuclear data does not support this division showing low genetic structure despite the broad geographic scale of our study area, attributable both to range expansion and admixture. Admixture has not had the same impact on the nuclear genome as it has in mitochondrial haplotypes leading to mito-nuclear discordance across the region. I also found evidence for differential patterns of expansion related to habitat. Specifically, the Appalachian Mountains acted as a corridor for gene flow from the northern native source into the southern Mid-Atlantic region

Vertebrate species are managed for many reasons, including their role as economically important predators or as carriers of disease. Successful management depends on the ability to predict the outcome of management actions on a species’ population dynamics. However, uncertainty in the models used to make such predictions can arise from multiple sources, including sampling error in vital rates, intraspecific demographic variation and unknown interspecific interactions. The red fox Vulpes vulpes provides a useful model organism for exploring such uncertainty, because management of this important predator and disease host is often ineffective, despite substantial sampling effort. By explicitly accounting for sampling error in survival and fecundity, confidence intervals for population growth rates were derived from published point estimates of red fox demographic data. Uncertainty in population growth rates was found to be high, requiring a quadrupling of sampling effort to halve the confidence intervals. Given the often poor justification for the choice of distribution used to model litter size, the influence of probability distributions on population model outcomes was tested. In this first comprehensive evaluation, estimates of quasi-extinction and disease control probabilities for three Canid species were found to be robust to litter size distribution choice. Demographic analyses of the red fox revealed a medium to fast life history speed and significant survival and fecundity contributions from juveniles to population growth. Intraspecific variation was detected within these spectra of demographic metrics: the first such demonstration for carnivores. Simulated data substitution between fox populations revealed that geographic proximity and similar levels of anthropogenic disturbance did not infer demographic similarity. Considering the sampling effort expended on the red fox, the species appears well-studied; yet, substantial limitations in data collection were identified. Compartment modelling of a sarcoptic mange outbreak in an urban fox population in Bristol, UK, revealed that disease transmission was frequency-dependent, consistent with contact rates being determined by social interactions rather than by population density. Individual-based modelling suggested that indirect transmission, genetic resistance and long-distance recolonisation were required to replicate the observed rapid spread of mange and subsequent population recovery. Thus, this first attempt to model mange dynamics in this canid provided novel insight into previously uncertain epidemiological and behavioural processes in the transmission of sarcoptic mange in the red fox.

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have been identified as a key predator of the threatened piping plover (Charadrius melodus) along the U.S. Atlantic coast. However, little is known about coastal red fox ecology, making it difficult to create effective red fox management strategies in these settings. Here, we quantify aspects of red fox population, spatial, and dietary ecology and interactions with threatened piping plovers on Fire Island, New York. We conducted remote camera surveys, scat and sign surveys, den monitoring, and GPS tracking of red foxes on the island in 2015–2018. We used these data to estimate red fox occupancy, reproduction, survival, and population density. We used GPS data to investigate red fox space use, habitat selection, and responses to piping plover nest exclosure setup, pre-hatch pipping, and hatching. We used fecal dietary analyses and data from den prey item surveys to quantify the frequency of piping plover predation and to identify major prey items of red foxes on the island. Red fox occupancy remained high even after substantial decreases in abundance, population density, annual reproduction, and seasonal survival following 2 sarcoptic mange outbreaks. Within their home ranges, red foxes selected areas that were closer to vegetation during the daytime and twilight hours, but farther from vegetation at night. We did not find clear evidence that red foxes in our study area keyed in on piping plover nest exclosure setup, pipping, or hatching at the spatial scales considered in our comparisons, although fox penetration of and digging at exclosures was an issue in 2015 at Smith Point County Park. Items from Orders Rodentia (rodents, 43% of scats), Coleoptera (beetles, 38%), and Decapoda (crabs and other crustaceans, 29%) were most frequently found in 293 red fox scats examined. Skates (Family Rajidae, 89% of dens with food items) and Atlantic surf clams (Spisula solidissima, 67%) were found most frequently outside of dens. We did not find any identifiable piping plover remains in red fox scats or outside of dens. Our results suggest that direct interactions between red foxes and piping plovers during our study period and in our study area were less frequent than expected, but concurrent work by collaborators documented that the trap success of red foxes was negatively related to piping plover reproductive output during our study period. Lethal removal of red foxes is unlikely to eliminate them from shorebird nesting areas unless complete eradication of foxes from the island can be achieved. We recommend strategic vegetation management in and around piping plover nesting areas to reduce daytime resting areas and hunting cover for red foxes, and continued use of nest exclosures. We also recommend further investigation into indirect impacts of red foxes on piping plover populations, and into the possibility that anthropogenic food resources could be subsidizing the island's red fox population.
Doctor of Philosophy
Red foxes have been identified as a key predator of the piping plover, a small migratory shorebird that breeds along the U.S. Atlantic coast and is considered 'threatened' (at risk of becoming endangered and eventually disappearing) within the United States. The lack of information about red fox ecology in coastal settings has been a challenge for wildlife biologists tasked with reducing predation on piping plovers. We investigated red fox ecology, behavior, and interactions with piping plovers on Fire Island, New York. We used trail cameras, collected scat (feces), monitored dens, and tracked red foxes on the island with global positioning system (GPS) collars in 2015–2018. We used these data to estimate red fox distribution, litter sizes, survival rates, and population sizes. We used GPS data to estimate red fox territory sizes, describe habitat selection, and investigate responses to piping plover nest exclosure setup, pipping (a period before hatching during which chicks vocalize inside the eggs), and hatching. We dissected red fox scats and recorded prey items found outside of dens to determine what red foxes on the island were eating. The proportion of each study area used by red foxes remained high even after substantial decreases in abundance, population density, annual reproduction, and seasonal survival following 2 parasitic disease (sarcoptic mange) outbreaks. Within their territories, red foxes selected areas that were closer to vegetation during the daytime and twilight hours but farther from vegetation at night. We did not find clear evidence that red foxes in our study area keyed in on piping plover nest exclosure setup, pipping, or hatching, although fox penetration of and digging at exclosures was an issue in some years at a site not included in those comparisons. Rodents, beetles, and crustacean remains were found most frequently in red fox scats. Skates and surf clams were found most frequently outside of dens. We did not find any identifiable piping plover remains in red fox scats or outside of dens. Our results suggest that that direct interactions between red foxes and piping plovers may be less frequent than previously believed, but concurrent work by collaborators documented that the trap success of red foxes was negatively related to piping plover reproductive output during our study period. Lethal removal of red foxes is unlikely to eliminate red foxes from shorebird nesting areas unless all foxes on the island are removed. We recommend strategic vegetation removal in and around piping plover nesting areas to reduce daytime resting spots and hunting cover for red foxes, and continued use of nest exclosures. We also recommend further investigation into indirect impacts of red foxes on piping plover populations, and into the possibility that anthropogenic food resources could be subsidizing the island's red fox population.

Thirteen badgers and 20 foxes were radio-tracked in the Wytham Estate, Oxfordshire, between 1981 and 1983. Thirteen badger and 10 fox groups were identified from radio-tracking and bait marking. Badger groups (mean size 1982: 4.45, 1983: 5.82) occupied contiguous territories (size: 22-75 ha) with boundaries marked by latrines. Seasonal variation in marking intensity and choice of marking sites presumably were responses to changing intrusion pressure. Fox groups (mean size: 2.6) occupied stable territories (size: 22- 104 ha) with little overlap. Faeces deposition by foxes facilitated territory marking. Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) dominated the diet of badgers (63 % estimated dry weight EDW, faeces), followed by cereals, fruits and other Invertebrates. Diet was highly variable between groups and seasons. For foxes, lagomorphs (20 % EDW) and earthworms (33 % EDW) were the most important prey, followed by scavenge and fruits. Variation in diet between groups and seasons was marked in lagomorphs but not earthworms. Multlvarlate analyses of habitat parameters revealed a low-dimensional 'resource space' that could be divided into conventional habitat categories. Censuses of prey species indicated that resource presence varied consistently between habitat categories. Key habitats occurred at fairly constant proportions in territories of both species) their dispersion partly determined the configuration of territory boundaries. The proportions of specific habitats per territory were correlated with the proportions of certain prey items in diets. space use by individuals was analysed by spatial autocorrelation methods, variation in space use by foxes was attributed to variation in resource dispersion. In contrast, individual badgers were similar in their use of space. Here, small-scale heterogeneity in intensity of use may reflect local earthworm availability, in one studied fox group, males and females differed in range use. Individuals in one studied badger group coordinated their use of space probably to minimize foraging interference. It is suggested that group living in Wytham badgers is a response to defending resources, and a model is proposed to explain how the spatial and social organisation of male and female badgers relate to the characteristics of the resources they require.

Lethal control of red foxes is often implemented on restricted areas where immigration from neighbouring sources is expected to make it difficult to keep local fox density low. The justification of lethal wildlife control should include demonstrating its effectiveness. To this end, population dynamics modelling may help to assess the performance of different control strategies in a range of real-world circumstances. A Bayesian state-space model for within-year fox population dynamics was developed that could be fitted to data on daily culling effort and success obtained from gamekeepers on shooting estates in Britain. The estimation model included parameters for key population processes within the culling area: immigration, cub recruitment and non-culling mortality. A simulation-estimation study showed that given a minimum of three years’ data the estimation of fox density and demographic parameters was reliable. Informative priors for the key model parameters were constructed using empirical data and meta-analysis. Data from 22 estates were modelled on a two-weekly time-step. Most estates achieved some suppression of the fox population relative to estimated carrying capacity, but few maintained consistently low densities. The number of foxes killed was a poor indicator of culling effectiveness, highlighting the need for modelling. Estimated immigration rates onto estates were typically high, indicating rapid replacement of culled foxes. There was unexpectedly high spatial variation among estates in estimated carrying capacity and immigration rate. There was evidence from a limited subset of estates that the variable density of released game birds may explain this. The food requirement of the fox population during the nesting period was assumed to indicate predation pressure on wild birds. Alternative culling strategies to reduce this requirement were evaluated using posterior parameter estimates from some estates. Culling concentrated in spring and summer only was more effective than culling uniformly throughout the year. Autumn-only culling was not an effective strategy for wild birds. Open-loop strategies were most effective as culling effort was used all the time. However, closed-loop strategies, where culling effort was conditional on feedback from simulated field-sign searches, achieved similar effects on food requirements using less effort. This revealed trade-offs between effectiveness, cost and animal welfare.
Science, Faculty of
Zoology, Department of
Graduate

The red fox occurs across a very broad range of habitats, and displays great behavioural flexibility under different environmental conditions. In Australia, mounting concern over the impacts of foxes on livestock and native fauna has highlighted a need for more information on fox ecology under Australian conditions as a fundamental step towards developing more strategic means of managing foxes. This study explores ranging behaviour, dispersal, use of dens, activity rhythms, population dynamics and diet in the absence of management in productive agricultural land in the central tablelands of New South Wales. The study was conducted from June 1994 to June 1997 on private property near Murringo, NSW Australia (34°15� S, 148°30� E). The site was primarily sheep and cattle grazing land and had a history of no fox management. Rainfall was considerably below average for much of the study. A total of 83 foxes were trapped over 3931 trapnights, of which 50 were fitted with radio-collars (23 adult and 6 juvenile females, 12 adult and 9 juvenile males) and 26 released with eartags only (all juveniles: 10 females, 16 males). Thirty-three foxes were radio-tracked using fixed towers between March 1995 and December 1996, with between 11 and 28 foxes tracked at any time. Mean home range size was 446.1 ha ± 69.8 se using 95% Minimum Convex Polygons (MCP), and 276.4 ha ± 36.3 se using 95% kernel utilisation distributions. Male home ranges defined by MCP were significantly larger than female ranges, but no significant difference was found using 95% kernels. Core ranges were estimated to be 133.4 ha ± 23.7 se using 50% MCP and 59.8 ha ± 6.1 se using 95% kernels, with no significant difference between sexes. No significant differences were found between range sizes of adults and juveniles or between years or seasons. While most home ranges were steady for the duration of the study, some foxes were observed to shift range location and 4 foxes displayed nomadic behaviour for at least some of the study. There was a high incidence of overlapping home ranges, most commonly between females or males and females but occasionally between males, but core areas were usually separate. Fully overlapping core areas were observed in 1995 but not in 1996. Juvenile foxes were significantly more likely to disperse than adults, and usually travelled further (juveniles 61.1 km 31.6 ± se; adults 5.9 km 1.1 ± se). Males and females were equally likely to disperse, and there was no significant difference in the distance travelled. The furthest distances were 285 km and 140 km, but mean distance of dispersal excluding these animals was 12.3 km ± 4.3 se (n = 13). Thorough surveys across a 16.4 km² area located 200 dens, with 68 of these active in 1995 and 96 active in 1996. Density of breeding foxes was estimated to be 0.55 and 0.52 adult foxes/km² in 1995 and 1996 respectively based on natal den counts. Density estimates based on active den counts, which include non-breeding foxes, were 0.91and 1.30 foxes/km² in 1995 and 1996 respectively. These estimates appear lower than other studies in similar habitats but this is likely due to using a half home range boundary strip around the surveyed area in the present study. Application of mark-recapture analysis found very high �recapture� rates of dens and gave a similar estimate of the total number of dens to that observed directly. Natal dens were regularly distributed across the study area, whereas active dens tended to be in clusters. There was a high turnover of which dens were used each year, but the total number of natal dens was similar across years (16 in 1995 and 17 in 1996). Natal dens were more likely to be used on repeat occasions than other dens, but not necessarily by the same vixen. Litter size based on sightings of emergent cubs was 2.8. Foxes were predominantly nocturnal, with a major peak in activity about an hour after sunset. A new method of analysing activity rhythm data using Fourier series to mathematically describe animal movements was developed, that allowed systematic identification of the cyclical components underlying overall movement patterns. General fox behaviour could be clearly described by a 24-hour and a 12-hour cyclical component when corrected for variation in daylength. The rising and setting of the sun appeared to be a major trigger underlying movement patterns. Seasonal and sex differences were observed in patterns of activity. The annual rate of increase of the fox population was found to vary around a mean of zero between June 1994 and June 1997. A major drop in fox numbers as estimated by spotlight counts occurred in the second half of 1995, but numbers recovered by the end of 1996. Kaplan-Meier analysis of radio-tagged foxes found annual adult survival was generally very high (0.56-0.96) with lowest survival between July and October. Causes of mortality were human-related outside the site and apparently of natural causes within the site. However foxes dying of natural causes outside the site were unlikely to be found. There was no overall movement of foxes into or out of the site. Immigration was detected following the drop in fox numbers in late 1995, but there was no evidence of immigration prior to this period although emigration occurred. A sensitivity analysis was conducted on the effects of a small change in life history parameters on finite rate of increase using published data as well as adult mortality data from the present study. The two most influential life-history parameters were adult and juvenile survival, while changes in fecundity and age at first reproduction had much less impact on finite rate of increase. In terms of management, in which fertility control is being considered as an alternative to lethal control, this implies that a small change in fecundity may cause less change in the rate of increase of foxes than lethal control. Foxes were culled in June 1997 on completion of the study. Estimated density using a Petersen estimate was 2.4-5.3 foxes/km² and index-manipulation-index was 1.4-3.2 foxes/km². The different methods used to cull foxes appeared to target different age groups within the population, and were generally biased in favour of younger foxes. Success at killing animals was low, leading to large standard errors in the population estimates. Stomachs of foxes shot in the Orange district were found to contain predominantly rabbit and carrion, with invertebrates present when abundant. These findings were not strictly representative of the diet of foxes in the study area, where rabbits were scarce. Foxes scavenged heavily on lamb carcasses within the study site. The quantity of fresh lamb carrion removed from a lambing paddock in winter 1996 was estimated to support 13-24 foxes, with available fresh lamb theoretically able to support 240-440 foxes. Density based on removal of fresh carcasses was estimated to be 0.83-1.5 foxes/km².

This thesis provides an insight into the biology and ecology of foxes Vulpes vulpes from a coastal habitat and free roaming dogs Canis lupus familiaris from an Aboriginal community, both in SE NSW. In particular, the study examines the home range and movement patterns of both canids from a view point of population and disease control. Additional base line information was collected for these species on diet, parasites and population biology. A total of 14 foxes and 10 dogs were collared and radio tracked to determine the home range and movement patterns of the animals. The data collected provides information on the behaviour of foxes in coastal habitat and represents the first detailed biological study of freeroaming dogs in Australia. The results provide a better understanding of dog movements, particularly the differences in behaviour between wandering and sedentary dogs. Home range sizes varied greatly between the dog groups from 1 ha to 2451 ha. There was evidence that dog forays were influenced by prey availability, particularly medium sized macropods. Occasional sallies, size and shape of fox and dog home range is discussed in relation to the richness of habitat at Jervis Bay with comparisons being made with other studies from the literature. Foxes in Jervis Bay had home ranges between 60-270 ha which is comparable to foxes living in the forests of Germany and in coastal habitat in the Netherlands This study also provides data on the diet of foxes and dogs presenting quantitative and qualitative data on food preferences. Foxes tended to be opportunistic in food selection although critical weight range mammals ie. ringtail possums were favoured. The high prevalence of the parasite Spirometra spp. in foxes indicated that considerable numbers of amphibians and reptiles are consumed by this species. A comprehensive inventory of the parasites of the two canid species showed a high proportion of hookworm in foxes and dogs and Spirometra spp in foxes. These results are discussed in light of the potential health implications for local Aboriginal people. Analysis of fox scats revealed that they have the potential to spread the seeds of bitou bush. A more detailed pilot study revealed the potential impact of foxes on the environment through the spread of weed seeds. Germination trials recorded high viability of seeds that were eaten and deposited by foxes. The management implications of this behaviour are discussed in context to weed control. This thesis has provided new information on foxes and dogs in Australia. Discussion on these species in the thesis has been framed around the benefits of this information for population and disease control.

I studied aspects of the ecology of the Murray River turtle, Emydura macquarii, to determine the impact of the introduced red fox, Vulpes vulpes. The fox is one of Australia's worst vertebrate pests through its predation on livestock and native mammals, but their impact on reptilian communities is not known. I conducted a large-scale mark-recapture study to evaluate population growth of E. macquarii in the Albury region of the upper Murray River by determining growth, reproduction and survival. The study was conducted downstream of the first, and largest, impoundment on the Murray River, Lake Hume. Emydura macquarii predominantly inhabit the lagoons in the upper Murray River, as the mainstream and Lake are possibly too cool to maintain metabolic processes. They are easily captured in hoop traps and the use of live decoys maximises trap success. Over 2000 hatchling turtles were marked and released into two lagoons between January 1997 and January 1998. Growth of these individuals is rapid over the first few years but declines towards maturity, and is indeterminate after maturity. Although growth annuli are not well defined, even on young individuals, the von Bertalanffy model describes the growth of both male and female E. macquarii. Male turtles mature at 5-6 years and females mature at 10-12 years. Female turtles may maximise reproductive potential by delaying maturity and producing one relatively large clutch (mean = 21 eggs) per year, which is positively correlated with body size (PL). Although primarily related to body size, clutch size varies annually because of environmental conditions. If winter and summer rainfalls are below average and temperatures are above average, E. macquarii may reduce clutch size to increase the chance of the eggs surviving. Nesting predominantly occurs during the first major rain-bearing depression in November. Habitat variables, including distance from water, nearest nest, and tree, and soil type were measured for each nest to determine characteristics that attract predators. Nests close to the shoreline and trees are heavily preyed on, and nests constructed in sand are less likely to be destroyed by predators. Foxes detect nests through a combination of chemical cues from eggs and slight soil disturbances, whereas birds only destroy nests observed being constructed during the day. Female turtles alter nesting behaviour and construct nests much further away from water when foxes were removed and as a result, nests are less dense and away from trees. Thus in high predation risk areas, turtles minimise emergence and search times to reduce the risk of direct predation by foxes. Predation is reduced when nests are in lower densities and away from trees, because predators increase search efforts when nests are in higher densities and birds are more likely to destroy nests close to trees. Reproductive success is further reduced in high predation risk areas because more nests are constructed in sandy substrates where clutch success is reduced compared to incubation in more dense substrates. Where predators are a significant source of mortality, prey may use indirect methods, such as chemical recognition, to avoid encounters. Nesting turtles did not avoid areas where fox odour was present, suggesting that they assess predation pressure from foxes by other mechanisms, such as visual recognition. However, an innate response occurs to the odour of a once common predator on the Murray River, the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus), whereby turtles recognise and avoid nesting in areas where quoll odour is present. Therefore nesting turtles show a similar avoidance response to two different predators, using different mechanisms of detection. Similarly, predation risk may influence hatching times and nest emergence. The rate of embryonic development of E. macquarii may increase or eggs may hatch early so that the clutch hatches synchronously, thereby reducing the risk of predation through group emergence from the nest. Emydura macquarii reach densities of over 100 turtles.ha-1, with the majority of the population consisting of sexually mature individuals. Emydura macquarii has a Type III survival curve where mortality is extremely high in the egg stage (93% nest predation), remaining high over the hatchling stage (minimum survival rate- 10%), but decreasing rapidly throughout the juvenile stage (~70% juvenile survival). Adult survival is extremely high, with greater than 95% of adults surviving each year. Foxes through nest predation cause most mortality but a small proportion (~3%) of nesting adult females are killed by foxes each year. A removal program evaluated the impact of foxes. In 1996, fox numbers were monitored around four lagoons by spotlighting and non-toxic bait uptake. Foxes were removed from around two of the lagoons throughout 1997 and 1998, using spotlight shooting and 1080 bait poisoning. Fox numbers were continually monitored around all four lagoons during the study. Nest predation rates remained around 90% in all sites where foxes were present, but fell to less than 50% when foxes were removed. At the same time, predation on nesting female turtles was eliminated where foxes were removed. Demographic models using staged based survival schedules, together with growth and fecundity values for E. macquarii show a decline of 4% per year in these populations. Elasticity analyses shows that survival of adult female E. macquarii has the major influence on population stability and a reduction of nest predation alone is unlikely to address the population decline. Management options, such as reducing foxes prior to nesting around key lagoons, will stabilise the population decline, and eliminating foxes completely from certain areas with high dispersal potential, will promote recruitment of juvenile E. macquarii.

Esta dissertação foi desenvolvida no âmbito do mestrado em Biologia da Conservação e resultou da ligação entre a Biologia e a vigilância sanitária. Durante a época de caça foram capturadas vinte e cinco raposas-vermelhas na região do Alentejo, tendo sido submetidas a provas serológicas para detecção de presença de Leishmania infantum, Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum. Este estudo de vigilância permitirá inferir sobre a saúde do ecossistema e sobre reservatórios de doença tanto para animais silvestres ameaçados, como o lince ibérico, assim como para mamíferos domésticos e para o próprio Homem. Foram detectados, com ELISA, anticorpos anti-L infantum em 5.6% dos animais, anticorpos anti-T. gondii em 50% dos animais, com IFAT e MATe finalmente anticorpos anti-N. caninum em 16.7% das raposas, com IFAT. - ABSTRACT: The present project was developed as an investigation for a master's dissertation in Biology Conservation, a study that links Biology and health surveillance. Twenty-five foxes were obtained during hunting season and serological tests were used to assess the presence of Leishmania infantum, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in the red-fox from the Alentejo area; this descriptive surveillance study provides a first insight into the health of the ecosystem and reservoirs of diseases both to endangered sympatric wild species, such as the lberian lynx, and to domestic mammals and even humans. lt's important to better understand the threat and potential impact that disease agents might pose for the conservation of endangered species. Anti-L infantum antibodies were detected by ELISA in 5.6% of the animals, anti-T. gondii antibodies were identified by IFAT and MAT in 50% of the animals; finally, anti-N. caninum antibodies were detected by IFAT in 16.7% of the foxes.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Sydney, 2001.
Includes tables. Title from title screen (viewed Apr. 22, 2008). Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science. Degree awarded 2001; thesis submitted 2000. Includes bibliography. Also available in print form.

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária
Ao longo dos tempos, a fauna silvestre tem contribuído, directa ou indirectamente, para a disseminação de doenças infecciosas transmissíveis ao Homem e aos animais domésticos. A crescente actividade humana, aliada ao aumento da densidade populacional e à facilidade de mobilidade de pessoas e animais que se observam nos dias de hoje, vieram favorecer a (re)emergência de diversas doenças um pouco por todo o mundo. Neste contexto, elaborou-se um estudo transversal de várias doenças, na maioria zoonoses transmitidas por vectores, em canídeos silvestres do norte de Portugal. Procedeu-se ao rastreio sorológico de 81 indivíduos (amostras de soro, extracto de pulmão e exsudado da cavidade torácica), efectuado pela primeira vez em Portugal no lobo ibérico (C. lupus, n=44) e na raposa vermelha (V. vulpes, n=37), para os agentes Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia conorii, Francisella tularensis, Dirofilaria immitis, Babesia canis, Leishmania infantum, vírus Toscana (flebovírus) e Toxoplasma gondii, introduzindo assim novos conhecimentos gerais sobre as prevalências destes agentes no território português, que até agora só se conheciam em canídeos domésticos e humanos. A prevalência de anticorpos anti-R. conorii foi a mais elevada (13,8%, n=8 C. lupus, n=3 V.vulpes), seguida das seroprevalências de T. gondii (5,2%, n=4 V. vulpes), E. canis (2,5%, n=1 C. lupus, n=1 V.vulpes), B. canis (2,5%, n=1 C. lupus, n=1 V.vulpes), A. phagocytophilum e B. burgdorferi s.l. (ambas 1,3%, n=1 C. lupus), pela técnica de imunofluorescência indirecta (IFI). Apenas dois lobos apresentaram co-infecção (2,5%) por R. conorii com A. phagocytophilum e B. burgdorferi s.l., respectivamente. Não foram detectados anticorpos contra L. infantum e o vírus Toscana através da IFI, nem para F. tularensis pela técnica de aglutinação em placa. A aplicação de testes de imunomigração rápida para a detecção de antigénios de D. immitis também não revelou quaisquer resultados positivos. Este estudo permitiu ainda inferir sobre alguns factores de risco associados às doenças avaliadas, nomeadamente a espécie de hospedeiro, o sexo, a idade e a origem geográfica dos animais, bem como o estado de conservação das amostras. De um modo geral, os resultados obtidos encontram-se abaixo da média das seroprevalências observadas em canídeos e outros mamíferos silvestres e domésticos da Europa, o que não invalida a necessidade da continuação dos programas de vigilância já existentes em Portugal e a sua aplicação noutras áreas do território nacional, de modo a melhorar a caracterização das doenças e os factores de risco associados às mesmas. Assim como é importante a implementação de medidas preventivas e de controlo das populações de vectores, tanto no ciclo silvático como no doméstico.
ABSTRACT - Serologic survey of selected zoonosis agents in wild canids from Northern Portugal - Through the times, wild fauna have contributed directly or indirectly to the dissemination of infectious diseases transmittable to Man and other animals. Increasing human activity, along with the growth of population density and the ease of mobility of people and animals that is evident nowadays, have favored the (re)emergence of several diseases throughout the world. In this context, a transversal study of selected diseases, mainly vector-borne zoonosis, was developed in wild canids from the north of Portugal. A total of 81 individuals (samples of sera, lung tissue extracts and exudate from the thoracic cavity) were subjected to a serologic survey, undertaken for the first time in Portugal in the Iberian wolf (C. lupus, n=44) and the red fox (V. vulpes, n=37), concerning the pathogenic agents Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia conorii, Francisella tularensis, Dirofilaria immitis, Babesia canis, Leishmania infantum, Toscana virus (phlebovirus) and Toxoplasma gondii, thus introducing new general knowledge on the prevalence of those agents in the portuguese territory, which was only known in domestic canids and humans so far. The prevalence of antibodies against R. conorii was the highest (13,8%, n=8 C. lupus, n=3 V.vulpes), followed by the seroprevalences of T. gondii (5,2%, n=4 V. vulpes), E. canis (2,5%, n=1 C. lupus, n=1 V.vulpes), B. canis (2,5%, n=1 C. lupus, n=1 V.vulpes), A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l. (both 1,3%, n=1 C. lupus), using the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Only two wolves demonstrated co-infection (2,5%) with R. conorii plus A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l., respectively. No antibodies were detected against L. infantum or the virus Toscana by IFA, neither for F. tularensis using the plate agglutination method. Rapid immunomigration tests were applied to detect antigens of D. immitis, but no positive results were attained. It was also possible to infer from this study some of the risk factors associated with the respective diseases, namely the host species, their sex, age and geographic origin, as well as the conservation state of the samples. Although the general results obtained from this survey are below the average seroprevalences observed in canids and other wild and domestic mammals in Europe, one must not underestimate the need of continuing the vigilance programmes already existing in Portugal and their application in other areas of the national territory, in order to improve the characterization of diseases and the associated risk factors. As well as it becomes important to implement preventive and control measures of the vector populations, in the wild cycle as much as in the domestic cycle.

I attempted to track a population of urban foxes in Kings Park, but due to collar failure, only one collar was retrieved. The GPS telemetry data from this fox produced home range estimates for minimum convex polygon (MCP) and kernel density (KD) of 0.302 km² and 0.331 km², respectively. The fox was predominantly active at night, with a ten-fold increase in movement during nocturnal periods when compared to daytime movements. Roads and man-made tracks were important for facilitating movement of the fox through its home range, with almost 97% of location fixes recorded within 100m of these features. The fox showed a preference for parrot bush Banksia sessilis shrubland and disturbed areas containing exotic weeds and revegetation, while avoiding woodlands and open spaces. Monitoring programs aimed at assessing the abundance of invasive species, as well as the severity of their impacts to the environment, are crucial for designing and implementing effective control strategies. I investigated the relative occupancy and diet of foxes at the local scale. Thirty one fox scats taken from two urban reserves revealed that medium-sized mammals, particularly brush-tailed possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and quenda (Isoodon fusciventer), and black rats (Rattus rattus) comprised a large proportion of fox diet. Fruits and seeds, predominantly those produced by the Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla), also contributed to a large portion of the diet of foxes. I used 21 motion cameras deployed across 10 monitoring sites to estimate fox occupancy within Kings Park. Seasonality had a significant influence on probability of occupancy and detection for foxes inhabiting Kings Park, with the highest rates of detection seen during the summer months (December-February). This spike in detections is consistent with the timing of dispersing juveniles, which are likely to be immigrating into the area in search of a suitable home range. Improving the effectiveness of conservation strategies through collaborative research is a key outcome of the Kings Park and Botanic Gardens Management Plan 2014-2019 strategic framework and implementing control measures for pest animals is a priority target for both this plan and the Bold Park Management Plan 2011-2016. Numerous methods have been used to control and/or mitigate their impacts within Australia, however, the success rates of these strategies vary. With the information gained from this investigation, it is my hope that future fox monitoring and control programs can be improved within the reserves and surrounding land uses.

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária
Até há relativamente pouco tempo, os estudos sobre a ocorrência e prevalência da fauna parasitológica das populações silvestres foram negligenciados, comparativamente aos estudos em humanos e animais domésticos. Adicionalmente, inúmeras espécies de parasitas apresentam ciclos que envolvem múltiplos hospedeiros e não dependem somente de uma única espécie. Deste modo, entender a sua epidemiologia é fundamental para o conceito “One Health” ou “Uma Saúde”, já que podem causar um profundo impacto na dinâmica populacional entre os diferentes meios. Neste contexto, com vista a caraterizar a situação epidemiológica das parasitoses gastrintestinais e pulmonares em canídeos domésticos e silvestres no distrito de Vila Real, procedeu-se à colheita mensal de amostras fecais (n=491), entre novembro de 2016 e maio de 2017, de três espécies de canídeos: raposa (Vulpes vulpes) (n=211), cão doméstico (Canis lupus familiaris) (n=173) e lobo-ibérico (Canis lupus signatus) (n=107). As amostras foram colhidas diretamente do ambiente em transectos pré-determinados nas zonas serranas da Falperra (n=224), Vila Cova (n=182) e Gevancas (n=85) e posteriormente analisadas por meio de técnicas coprológicas. No total das amostras estudadas, 39,1 % (192/491) apresentaram pelo menos uma forma parasitária, sendo Ancylostomatidae, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris spp. e Taeniidae os parasitas com maior destaque. No que se refere à distribuição das amostras positivas pelos canídeos em estudo, distingue-se a raposa com maior prevalência parasitária global e maior diversidade de parasitas detetados. Relativamente à área de estudo, foi a serra da Falperra que se evidenciou, quer pelo número de amostras positivas, quer pelo número de parasitas diferentes identificados. No que se refere às estações do ano, foi a primavera que apresentou maior prevalência parasitária no geral, contudo, foi no outono que a diversidade de parasitas observada foi maior. De um modo geral, os resultados obtidos encontram-se abaixo da média das prevalências observadas em canídeos silvestres e domésticos da Península Ibérica, não obstante, todos os canídeos em estudo são portadores de parasitas com a capacidade de afetar os humanos e outros animais silvestres e domésticos. Consequentemente surge a necessidade de criar programas regulares de monitorização parasitológica destes e doutros animais silvestres em Portugal e de os aplicar em diversas áreas do território nacional, de modo a melhorar a caraterização das doenças e os fatores de risco associados às mesmas, tal como a importância da implementação de medidas preventivas e de controlo tanto no ciclo silvático, como no doméstico e, principalmente, nas espécies em perigo e com maior contacto com humanos e animais domésticos.
ABSTRACT - Until recently, studies on the occurrence and prevalence of parasitological fauna in wild populations have been neglected in comparison to studies in humans and domestic animals. Additionally, many species of parasites circulate in multi-host systems and do not depend on a single species. Therefore, understanding its epidemiology is critical to the "One Health" or “Uma Saúde” concept, since it can cause a profound impact on population dynamics between different environments. In this context, to describe the epidemiological situation of gastrointestinal and pulmonary parasites in domestic and wild canids in the district of Vila Real, faecal samples were collected every month (n = 491) between November 2016 and May 2017 from three canid species: fox (Vulpes vulpes) (n = 211), domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) (n = 173) and Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) (n = 107). The samples were directly collected from the environment in pre-determined transects in Falperra (n = 224), Vila Cova (n = 182) and Gevancas (n = 85), and later analysed using coprological techniques. From all studied samples, 39.1% (192/491) presented at least one parasitic form being the Ancylostomatidae, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris spp., and Taeniidae the most prominent parasites. Regarding the distribution of positive samples among the studied canids, foxes distinguished themselves from other canids as the species with the highest parasitic prevalence and greater diversity detected. Concerning the different regions, Falperra stood out as the region with the highest number of positive samples and different parasites identified. Regarding the seasons of the year, spring was the one with higher parasitic prevalence. However, it was in autumn that was observed higher parasitic diversity. In general, the results obtained are below the average prevalence observed in Iberian Peninsula´s wild and domestic canids. However, all canids under study are carriers of parasites with the ability to affect humans, and other wild and domestic animals. As a result, there is a need to create regular parasitological monitoring programs in Portugal for these and other wild animals and to apply them in different areas of the national territory, in order to improve disease characterization and associated risk factors. It is also important to implement preventive measures in both sylvatic and domestic cycles, especially in endangered species and with greater contact with humans and domestic animals.
N/A

There is a paucity of data on the diet of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cats (Felis catus) in the south west region of Western Australia. Information is needed to determine the impact of these introduced predators on native wildlife, and to establish whether competitive and predatory interactions are likely to exist between foxes and cats. Therefore the diets of both species were quantified and compared by examining the stomach contents of 542 foxes and 56 cats collected from across the south west region in association with the Red Card for the Red Fox community feral control program. This study provides the first insight into the summer dietary preferences of the red fox and feral cat in south west Western Australia. This study provided a ‘snapshot’ of dietary intake, revealing that there was little overlap in the diets of red foxes and feral cats (26%), with the proportions of different prey categories consumed differing significantly between the predators (ANOSIM- R=0.1352, p<0.0001). Overall, foxes consumed mostly domestic sheep as carrion or lamb (64%, using Index of Relative Importance values for this food category), as well as a large amount of fruit, grains and invertebrates. With numerous bird species as their staple prey (32%, by IRI), feral cats are actively hunting a greater proportion of native vertebrate species (43%, by IRI), than foxes (6%, by IRI). Surprisingly, cats deliberately consumed a large amount of plant material (18%, by IRI), which may suggest that this atypical food source plays a role in sustaining feral cats during summer. From analysis of fox and cat diets it can be surmised that in the south west, interspecific competition between the predators may not be strong because of their reliance on different food categories. However, removal experiments and investigation of spatial interactions between the two species are required to confirm that resource partitioning and not antagonistic interactions are causing dietary differences (e.g. interference competition). Findings from the current study into the diets of red foxes and feral cats have implications for both farmers and conservationists in the south west. If carrion is responsible for sustaining large fox populations (hyperpredation) during a period of reduced resources, removal of carrion may reduce fox population sizes substantially. If, however, active control of foxes then leads to mesopredator release, feral cats may have a greater impact on the south west’s remaining native species, especially if cats have increased access to carrion.

Darbo tikslas: atlikti palyginamąją rudųjų lapių ir usūrinių šunų kaukolių, ilgųjų ir plokščiųjų galūnių kaulų osteologinę ir osteometrinę analizę. Darbo uždaviniai: 1. Išmatuoti ir palyginti usūrinių šunų ir rudųjų lapių patinų ir patelių kaukoles su apatiniais žandikauliais, krūminius dantis, plokščiuosius galūnių kaulus – mentę ir dubens kaulus ir ilguosius galūnių kaulus – petikaulį, dilbio kaulus, šlaunikaulį ir blauzdos kaulus. 2. Naudojantis gautais matmenimis atlikti tarprūšinį usūrinių šunų ir rudųjų lapių kaukolių su apatiniais žandikauliais, krūminių dantų, plokščiųjų galūnių kaulų – mentės ir dubens kaulų ir ilgųjų galūnių kaulų – petikaulio, dilbio kaulų, šlaunikaulio ir blauzdos kaulų palyginimą. 3. Apskaičiuoti kaukolių ir nurodytų ilgųjų galūnių kaulų – petikaulio, stipinkaulio, šlaunikaulio ir blauzdikaulio indeksus ir atlikti šių indeksų palyginimą tarp lyčių ir tarp tirtų gyvūnų rūšių. 4. Atlikti tarprūšinį kaukolių su apatiniais žandikauliais, plokščiųjų galūnių kaulų – mentės ir dubens kaulų, ilgųjų galūnių kaulų – petikaulio, dilbio kaulų, šlaunikaulio ir blauzdos kaulų morfologinį tyrimą palyginamosios anatomijos metodu. 5. Nustatyti tarprūšinius rudųjų lapių ir usūrinių šunų kaukolių vidinių struktūrų ir kaktikaulio ančių morfologinius ypatumus naudojant kompiuterinės tomografijos metodą. Pirmą kartą Lietuvoje atlikta palyginamoji usūrinių šunų ir rudųjų lapių kaukolių ir galūnių kaulų morfologinė analizė. Laukinės faunos osteologiniuose tyrimuose... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]
The aim of the present study is: to carry out a comparative osteological and osteometric analysis of skulls and long and flat bones of extremities of red foxes and raccoon dogs. The tasks include: 1. Measuring and comparison of the bones of male and female red foxes and raccoon dogs: skulls with jawbones, molars, the flat bones of extremities – scapula and pelvic bones – and the long bones of extremities – humerus, forearm, femur and crural bone. 2. Comparison of the bones of raccoon dogs and red foxes based on the obtained osteometric data about: skulls with jawbones, molars, the flat bones of extremities – scapula and pelvic bones – and the long bones of extremities – humerus, forearm bones, femur and crural bone. 3. Calculation of the indices of skulls and the indicated long bones of extremities – humerus, radius, femur and tibia – and comparison of these indices in the studied animals of different gender and species. 4. Morphological analysis of the bones – skulls with jawbones, the flat bones of extremities (scapula and pelvic bones) and the long bones of extremities (humerus, forearm, femur and crural bone) – of the studied species of animals by the method of comparative anatomy. 5. Determining the morphological features of the bones – internal structure of the skulls and frontal sinuses – of the studies species of animals (red foxes and raccoon dogs) by the method of computer tomography. The present work is a first attempt of comparative morphological analysis of the... [to full text]

SANTRAUKA Šio darbo tikslas – atlikti rudųjų lapių ir usūrinių šunų priekinės galūnės ilgųjų kaulų morfometrinę analizę. Pagal gautus duomenis nustatyti skirtumus esančius tarp rūšių ir lyčių. Tyrimui panaudoti LSMU Veterinarijos akademijos Anatomijos ir fiziologijos katedroje sukaupti 12 – os suaugusių usūrinių šunų ir rudųjų lapių ilgieji kaulai: iš jų usūrinių šunų – 6 (3 patelės, 3 patinai), rudųjų lapių – 6 (3 patelės, 3 patinai). Atsiţvelgiant į tai, kad nebuvo pastebėta esminių ilgio ir pločio skirtumų tarp kaitės ir dešinės pusės galūnių, buvo tiriamos tik kairės pusės galūnės. Tirtas petikaulis, dilbio kaulai (stipinkaulis ir alkūnkaulis), plaštakos kaulai. Kaulai išmatuoti pagal (Bisaillon A., De Roth L., 1979) metodiką, naudojant mechaninį slankmatį 0,01 mm tikslumu. Pagal gautus duomenis išmatuoti septyni kaulų indeksai. Išmatavus ir palyginus usūrinių šunų ir rudųjų lapių patinų ir patelių ilguosius kaulus nustatyta, kad lapių patinų petikaulis, dilbio ir plaštakos kaulai ilgesni nei lapių patelių. Tarp kaulų pločio reikšmingų skirtumų nebuvo aptikta. Usūrinių šunų patinų petikaulis ir stipinkaulis ilgesnis nei usūrinių šunų patelių. Usūrinių šunų patelių alkūnkaulis ilgesnis nei usūrinių šunų patinų. Plaštakos kaulų ilgis ir plotis skyrėsi neţymiai. Palyginus tarprūšiniu poţiūriu, lapių patinų ilgieji kaulai ilgesni nei usūrinių šunų patinų. Tarp kaulų pločio esminių skirtumų nebuvo. Lapių patelių petikaulis ir dilbio kaulai ilgesni nei usūrinių šunų patelių... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]
SUMMARY Aim of this work – to perform morphometric analysis of the long bones of the foreleg of raccoon dogs and red foxes. To determine the differences between the sorts and sexes according to the data got. Long bones of 12 adult raccoon dogs and red foxes, kept at the Department of Anatomy and Physiology of Academy of Veterinary of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, have been analysed: 6 – of raccoon dogs (3 females, 3 males), 6 – of red foxes (3 females, 3 males). Humerus, forearm bones (radius and ulna), and metacarpal bones have been investigated. Bones have been measured according to (Bisaillon A., De Roth L., 1979) method, using mechanical calliper (precision of 0.1 mm). Seven indexes of the bones have been measured according to the data got. When the long bones of female and male raccoon dogs and red foxes have been measured and compared, it has been determined that humerus, forearm and metacarpal bones of the male foxes are longer compared to the female foxes. Significant differences of the bone width have not been determined. Humerus and radius of the male raccoon dogs are longer compared to the female raccoon dogs. Ulna of the female raccoon dogs is longer compared to the male raccoon dogs. Length and width of the metacarpal bones were different marginally. When compared according to the interspecific point of view, long bones of the male foxes are longer than bones of the raccoon dogs. There were no essential differences between widths of the bones... [to full text]

The piping plover (Charadrius melodus) is a federally-listed shorebird that nests on barrier islands along the U.S. Atlantic Coast and is highly vulnerable to habitat change and predation. We have addressed these two threats by 1) developing and implementing a linked model system that predicts future change to piping plover habitat resulting from sea-level rise and beach management efforts by joining dynamic models of sea-level rise, shoreline change, island geomorphology and piping plover nest habitat suitability, and 2) quantifying occupancy and movement of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), a key shorebird predator at Assateague Island, Maryland and Virginia. We constructed and tested a model that links changes in geomorphological characteristics to piping plover nesting habitat suitability. We then linked this model to larger scale shoreline change resulting from sea level rise and storms. Using this linked model to forecast future sea-level rise and beach management efforts, we found that modest sea-level rise rates (3 mm and 4.1 mm/yr; similar to current rates) may increase suitable piping plover nesting habitat area in 50-100 years and some beach management strategies (beach nourishment and artificial dune modifications) also influence habitat availability. Our development and implementation of this tool to predict change in piping plover habitat suitability provides a vital starting point for predicting how plover nesting habitat will change in a context of planned human modifications intended to address climate change-related threats. Our findings regarding red fox occupancy and movement complement the use of this model for planning future management actions by providing vital information on the effects of certain predator management activities and habitat use of a key mammalian predator, the red fox, for shorebirds along the U.S. Atlantic Coast. Overall, we found that 1) red fox occupancy was strongly tied to eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) trap success, increasing sharply with increased eastern cottontail trap success, 2) red fox occupancy did not change in response to an intensive eradication program, and 3) red foxes in our study area generally moved little between camera stations spaced 300 m from each other, but may move large distances (> 6km) at times, likely to occupy new territory available after lethal control efforts. Our findings have important ramifications for the sustainability of long-term predator removal programs and our understanding of future habitat change on the red fox. For example how vegetation changes affect eastern cottontails, how resulting fluctuations in eastern cottontails affect red fox occupancy, and how consequential changes in red fox occupancy affect plover breeding productivity. Our predictive model combined with these predator findings will allow wildlife managers to better plan and implement effective management actions for piping plovers in response to the multiple stressors of SLR-induced habitat change and predation.
Ph. D.

Predation by exotic predators (cats Felis catus and foxes Vulpes vulpes) is believed to be one of the factors that has contributed to the decline of medium-sized mammals in arid Australia. Other factors include habitat degradation by introduced herbivores (rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus and grazing stock) and altered fire regimes after Aboriginal people moved into permanent settlements. In general, the impact of exotic predators on arid zone mammals is believed to be significant only when predator numbers have been elevated by increased food availability from exotic prey species (rabbits, house-mice Mus domesticus, cattle carcasses) or when native prey populations have already been dramatically reduced by competition from introduced herbivores. In much of the spinifex grasslands of the central Australian deserts, pastoralism never occurred, rabbit colonisation was extremely patchy and in some areas, traditional burning was still being practised when the extinctions commenced. None of the current models of mammalian extinctions adequately explain the declines in this environment. In this study I examined predator-prey interactions in two areas of the Tanami Desert to investigate whether predation by exotic predators may be a primary agent of extinction in its own right, capable of causing mass declines even in the absence of other human-induced perturbations. If this were the case then the following would be expected: (i) cats and foxes would eat medium-sized mammals when they are available, but be able to survive on alternative prey when mammals are scarce; (ii) populations of cats and foxes would be buffered against the declines of mammals during droughts, or would be able to recover more quickly than medium-sized mammals after droughts; (iii) medium-sized mammals would be more vulnerable to predation by cats and foxes than by dingoes Canis lupus dingo and other native predators, and (iv) there would be a correlation between the timings of the extinctions and the colonisation (or sudden increase) of cats and foxes. These predictions were investigated by monitoring the diets and relative abundance of cats, foxes and dingoes in relation to fluctuating prey availability in two areas of the Tanami Desert at latitudes separated by approximately 400 km. Mean annual rainfall is higher and more reliable in the northern study area which was situated in the centre of bilby Macrotis lagotis distribution within the Northern Territory, whereas the southern study area was located on the southern edge of the bilby�s range. Within each study area, monitoring occurred at three sites, approximately 20 km apart. Each site contained a sub-plot in each of two habitat types. Field work was conducted between September 1995 and December 1997. When the study began, the southern study area was experiencing drought conditions, however both study areas received significant rainfall in early 1997. The population dynamics of a variety of potential prey groups were monitored to examine their resilience during droughts, patterns of recolonisation after rainfall, and use of two habitat types: the ubiquitous sandplain, and the moister, nutrient enriched palaeodrainage habitat which is believed to have provided a refuge for medium-sized mammals during droughts. Native mammals were uncommon throughout the study period. Bilbies and macropods were significantly more abundant in the northern study area, and tended to occur more frequently in palaeodrainage habitat than sandplain. However, the palaeodrainage habitat did not appear to provide adequate refuge for the medium and large mammals during drought conditions in the southern study area, as they disappeared from the study sites altogether. Small mammals were significantly more abundant in the southern study area but densities remained low (less than 2% trap success) throughout the study, and showed little response to improved seasonal conditions. In contrast, the abundance and species richness of birds showed a marked increase following rainfall in the southern study area. Flocks of nomadic birds arrived within several months of drought-breaking rains, increasing the relative abundance of birds from 9.3 per km of transect in December 1996 to 49/km in July 1997. Reptiles were the most resilient prey group during the drought conditions. Both varanids and smaller reptiles were equally abundant in the wet and dry years and showed no difference in abundance between study areas. However, reptiles showed marked temperature-related patterns in activity, with many species becoming inactive in the winter months. A total of 142 cat scats, 126 fox scats and 75 dingo scats were analysed to investigate predator diets in the two study areas. Unlike cat, fox and dingo diets elsewhere in Australia (and the world), mammalian prey did not dominate. Reptile was the prey category that was most frequently consumed by cats and foxes in �summer� (October-April) and by dingoes throughout the year, and was identified as a �seasonal staple� prey type for all three predators in the Tanami Desert. When biomass of prey was taken into account, the varanids (predominantly the sand goanna Varanus gouldii) were the most important prey sustaining predators in the two study areas. Birds were an important part of the diets of cats and foxes in winter when reptiles were less active. Small mammals were consumed by cats and foxes throughout the study, in proportion to their field abundances. Invertebrates were a major component of the diets of foxes, representing 31% of prey items consumed. There was considerable overlap in the diets of the three predator species, but dingoes ate more medium (100-999 g) and large (greater than 1000 g) prey than cats and foxes did. The scarcity of medium-sized mammals in the study areas provided little opportunity to find evidence of predation events on such prey. However, bilby remains were found in two cat scats and one dingo scat in the northern study area, mulgara Dasycercus cristicauda remains occurred in several cat and fox scats from the southern study area, and there were fourteen occurrences of marsupial mole Notoryctes typhlops in predator scats during the study, primarily in fox scats. Elsewhere in Australia, there is ample evidence that cats and foxes regularly consume medium-sized mammalian prey (e.g. rabbits and ringtail possums Pseudocheirus peregrinus) when it is available. Overall cats were the most abundant eutherian predators in the two study areas, and they were significantly more abundant in the northern study area than the southern study area. Surveys revealed that cats can persist into droughts by feeding on reptilian prey. When the study commenced, cats occurred on five of the six sub-plots in the southern study area, despite six consecutive years of below-average rainfall. However, by the end of the first year, they could only be detected on one sub-plot. Recolonisation of the sites rapidly occurred after significant rainfall (260 mm in 2 months), when nomadic birds colonised the sites and provided a plentiful food source. Foxes also declined to very low densities during drought in the southern study area, but they had recolonised all sites by the winter of 1997. This coincided with the increase in abundance of birds, which became their most frequently consumed prey item. Overall, foxes were equally abundant in the two study areas, but statistical analyses revealed a significant interaction between latitude and habitat because in the southern study area foxes tended to utilise the palaeodrainage habitat more than the sandplain, whereas in the northern study area the majority of fox sign was detected in the sandplain habitat. This may have been due to the abundance of dingoes in the palaeodrainage habitat in the northern study area. Dingoes were significantly more abundant in the northern study area than the southern, where they were usually only present at one of the three sites. The northern study area had higher densities of macropods (supplementary prey for dingoes) and more reliable access to drinking water, which persisted in the palaeodrainage channels for up to 6 months after significant rain events. Dingo numbers were relatively stable throughout the study and did not increase in response to improved seasonal conditions in the southern study area in 1997. This study revealed that the distribution of foxes extends further north into the Tanami Desert than has previously been reported, and is not necessarily tied to the distribution of rabbits in the Northern Territory. Furthermore, discussion with Aboriginal people who lived a traditional lifestyle in the area until the 1940s, revealed that foxes were already present in the northern Tanami desert at that time, before the disappearance of many medium-sized mammal species. The patterns of medium-sized mammalian extinctions in the northern and western deserts between 1940 and 1960 is thus consistent with the colonisation of the fox. Although cats had been present in central Australia for at least 50 years before the mammalian declines occurred, this does not discount them from contributing to the extinction process. It is postulated that during the early decades of their colonisation of the arid interior, cat populations may have been maintained at low levels by predation from dingoes and also Aboriginal people (for whom cats were a favoured food). But between 1920 and 1960 the western deserts were depopulated of Aboriginal people, and human hunting of cats diminished. This coincided with the introduction of the dingo bounty scheme, which encouraged many Aboriginal people to continue making regular excursions into the deserts to collect dingo scalps. In this study, cat remains occurred in 9% of dingo scats, suggesting that dingoes may be an important predator of cats. Thus, there may have been an increase in the cat population between 1930 and 1960, producing a more significant impact on native mammal populations than had previously occurred. Information collected during this study was used to construct a new model of mammalian extinctions in the spinifex grasslands of central Australia that promotes predation by cats and foxes as the primary agent of extinction. The model proposes that cats and foxes will eat medium-sized mammals when they are available, but are capable of subsisting on naturally occurring alternative prey when mammals are scarce. Thus, cats and foxes can persist into drought periods by feeding on reptilian prey, which remains an abundant resource regardless of rainfall (at least during the warmer months). Predator populations eventually decline after a series of dry winters. When the drought breaks, the rapid response of nomadic birds provides a readily available food source for cats and foxes as they recolonise areas and commence breeding. Predation by cats and foxes thereby has the potential to exacerbate the declines of native prey populations during droughts and delay their recovery when seasonal conditions improve. In this way, introduced predators are capable of causing local extinctions of medium-sized mammals when populations contract during drought periods, even in the absence of introduced herbivores and altered fire regimes. Although dingoes also prey upon medium-sized mammals, dingoes did not cause extinctions of medium-sized mammals in the spinifex grasslands because (i) they are more reliant on drinking water than foxes and cats, thus waterless areas would have provided some degree of predation refugia, and (ii) their social structure and territoriality prevent high densities accumulating, even when resources are abundant. If further extinctions of medium-sized mammals (such as the bilby) are to be prevented, it may be necessary for wildlife managers to establish a series of predation refugia where fox and cat populations can be controlled without extinguishing local dingo populations. This could be achieved with a combination of predator-proof enclosures, zones in which foxes are killed through poison baiting and areas where Aboriginal people are employed to utilise traditional hunting methods to control introduced predators.

Humans affect ecosystems by changing species compositions, landscape and climate. This thesis aims to increase our understanding of anthropogenic effects on mesopredator abundance due to changes in apex predator status, landscape and climate. I show that in Eurasia the abundance of a mesopredator, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), is limited top-down by the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and bottom-up by winter severity. However, where lynx has been eradicated, fox abundance is instead related to bottom-factors such as cropland (paper I, II). Fox abundance was highest when croplands constituted 25% of the landscape (paper II). I also project red fox abundance in Sweden over the past 200 years and in future scenarios in relation to lynx density, land use and climate change. The projected fox abundance was highest in 1920, when lynx was eradicated and the proportion of cropland was 22%. In 2010, when lynx had recolonised, the projected fox abundance was lower than in 1920, but higher than in 1830. Future scenarios indicated that lynx abundance must increase in respond to climate change to keep fox at the same density as today. The results suggest a mesopredator release when lynx was eradicated, boosted by land use and climate change, and that changes in bottom-up factors can modify the relative strength of top-down factors (paper IV). From 1846-1922, lynx, wolverine (Gulo gulo) and grey wolf (Canis lupus) declined in Scandinavia due to persecution; however I show that the change in wolverine abundance was positively related to the changes in lynx and wolf abundance. This indicates that wolverine is subsidized by carrions from lynx and wolf kills rather than limited top-down by them (paper III). This thesis illustrates how mesopredator abundance is determined by a combination of top-down and bottom-up processes, and how anthropogenic impacts not only can change the structures of predator guilds, but also may modify top-down processes through changes in bottom-up factors.

At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 2: Submitted. Paper 3: Submitted. Paper 4: Manuscript.

 

Seit mehreren Jahrzehnten nehmen die Bestandszahlen von Bodenbrütern europaweit ab, ein Prozess, der hauptsächlich auf die Intensivierung der Landwirtschaft zurückzuführen ist. In diesem Zusammenhang könnte aber auch die zunehmende Prädation von Raubsäugern (Carnivora, Mammalia) eine wichtige Rolle spielen. Ziel dieser Studie war die Bewertung und Einschätzung des Prädationspotentials ausgewählter Raubsäugerarten auf Bodenbrüter im brandenburgischen Vogelschutzgebiet "Mittlere Havelniederung". Von Mai 2015 bis Juni 2017 wurde die Raumnutzung verschiedener Raubsäugerarten mittels Kamerafallen und einer Telemetriestudie untersucht und anschließend mit den Ergebnissen einer Vogelkartierung verglichen. Ergänzt wurden die Untersuchungen mit einer Losungsanalyse der am häufigsten beobachteten Raubsäugerarten Waschbär (Procyon lotor) und Rotfuchs (Vulpes vulpes). Waschbären wiesen eine hohe Standorttreue sowie eine hohe Präferenz für Gewässer und Feuchtgebiete auf, während Rotfüchse eine hohe intraspezifische Variabilität in Bezug auf ihre Habitatnutzung sowie ein hohes Abwanderungsverhalten zeigten. Die Ergebnisse lassen außerdem ein hohes Prädationspotential des Waschbären auf Wasservögel vermuten, während der Einfluss auf Wiesenbrüter geringer zu sein scheint. Diese scheinen den höchsten Prädationsdruck durch den Rotfuchs zu erfahren. Die Nahrungsanalysen bestätigen diese Ergebnisse und spiegeln auch räumliche Bewegungsmuster beider Arten wieder. Diese Studie liefert als eine der europaweit ersten Studien empirische Belege für ein starkes indirektes und direktes Prädationspotential des Waschbären insbesondere auf Wasservögel. Zudem hebt diese Studie die Notwendigkeit einer differenzierten Betrachtung potenzieller Auswirkungen von Raubsäugern auf Bodenbrüter hervor und gibt einen Hinweis darauf, dass das Prädationspotential einer Raubsäugerart eng mit der Strukturvielfalt eines Lebensraums und somit mit der Intensität der landwirtschaftlichen Bewirtschaftung zusammenhängt.
Over recent decades, a general decline in ground-nesting bird species has been recorded all over Europe and this trend is mainly a result of agricultural intensification. However, increasing predation pressure by carnivores (Carnivora, Mammalia) might also play an important role in this context. The aim of this study was to assess and evaluate the predatory potential of selected carnivore species on ground-nesting birds in the Special Protection Area `Mittlere Havelniederung’ in Brandenburg, Germany. Between May 2015 and June 2017, camera- trapping and a telemetry study were carried out to investigate the spatial behavior of mesocarnivore species. Subsequently, spatial data were compared with results of a bird mapping and complemented by an analysis of scat contents of the most abundant carnivore species raccoon (Procyon lotor) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Camera trapping revealed a high diversity of carnivores. In addition, spatial distribution patterns showed high site fidelity and an exclusive preference for waters and swamplands in raccoons, while red foxes showed a high level of intraspecific variance in habitat use and a pronounced level of migratory activity. Predator-prey spatial overlap assumes a high potential impact of raccoons on water-associated bird species, while their impact on grassland birds appears not as important. Grassland birds seem to experience highest predatory pressure by red foxes. Dietary analysis support these results and confirm species-specific spatial patterns. As one of the first studies in Europe, this study provides empirical evidence of raccoons’ strong indirect and direct predatory potential in particular on water-associated bird species. Besides, this study highlights the need for a differentiated view on the potential impact of carnivore species on ground-nesting birds and suggests, that the predatory potential of a carnivore species is linked with landscape diversity and thus with intensity of agricultural land use practices.

Conhecer os factores que influenciam a mortalidade por atropelamento de mamíferos carnívoros é extremamente útil na gestão do ambiente rodoviário, permitindo a aplicação de medidas de mitigação e minimização de impactos. O presente estudo pretendeu avaliar o efeito do habitat, métrica da paisagem e estradas na probabilidade de ocorrência de dois pequenos mamíferos carnívoros - raposa (Vulpes vulpes) e de geneta (Genetta genetta) - e por sua vez integrar esta informação na modelação da mortalidade por atropelamento. Para isso foram usados Modelos Lineares Generalizados (GLMs) para estudar a relação entre a ocorrência de cada uma das duas espécies e os factores acima descritos. As probabilidades de ocorrência de cada espécie e os restantes descritores ambientais foram então usados para modelar a ocorrência de mortalidade por atropelamento utilizando novamente GLMs. Os nossos resultados mostram que a probabilidade de ocorrência da geneta é maior em áreas florestais, com elevada densidade de orlas. Esta espécie também respondeu positivamente à presença de ribeiras. Quanto às preferências da raposa (Vulpes vulpes), não foi identificado nenhum padrão no que diz respeito ao tipo de uso do solo, porém esta espécie tende a ser encontrada longe de fontes de água e de perturbação humana, incluindo rodovias de elevada densidade de tráfego. Neste estudo, evidenciou-se ainda a importância de incluir dados relativos à ocorrência das espécies na modelação da mortalidade por atropelamento. No entanto, o padrão da relação entre as probabilidades de ocorrência e a mortalidade é específico, no presente caso com influências opostas, e não pode, portanto, ser generalizado. Além disso, outros factores se revelaram importantes na previsão da ocorrência de mortalidade de ambas as espécies, nomeadamente o aumento do volume de tráfego, com a mortalidade a ser maior em rodovias com moderada intensidade de tráfego; a presença e extensão de áreas ripícolas na periferia da estrada, a presença de áreas florestais e a ausência de perturbação humana, a contribuírem para um aumento do número de atropelamentos. A existência de vedação também poderá ser um factor relevante na ocorrência de mortalidade por atropelamento. Aparentemente um sistema de vedação permeável apenas num dos lados da estrada poderá levar a um aumento desta, embora estes resultados necessitem de mais estudos para ser confirmados estatisticamente. – ABSTRACT: Knowing the factors that influence mammal carnivore road-kills is extremely useful in terms of species conservation and management of the road environment, enabling the implementation of mitigation measures. The present study sought to explore the influence of habitat, landscape elements, roads and other linear structures on the probability of occurrence of two small mammalian carnivores- red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and genet (Genetta genetta) - and how this can predict road-kills. To do so we used generalized linear modelling (GLM) to study the relationship between the occurrence of Genetta genetta and Vulpes vulpes and factors concerning environment, human influence and road features. We also studied the relationship between species distribution patterns, landscape and road features, and mortality in four roads with different traffic volumes and patterns, again using GLM. According to our results, genet probability of occurrence is patchily distributed and embedded in a matrix of forest areas with high edge density. This species also responded well to the presence of streams. Regarding the fox's preferences, no clear overall pattern was identified for any land use. Nevertheless, this species tended to be found away from water sources and human disturbance. It is also shown that roads may have an influence on species distribution. Our findings highlight the need to take into account the occurrence patterns of a species when analysing the factors that determine its road mortality. However, the relationship between occurrence and mortality patterns is clearly species-specific and sometimes opposite. These results strengthen the need for individual species studies and alerts for the danger of generalizing conclusions. Other factors revealed to be important in predicting mortality rates for the two species under study, for instance: the traffic volume, the presence and length of streams in the road vicinity, and the main land uses, with road-killings being promoted in forest and disturbed areas. The presence and location of fences may also influence fatality patterns, as a fencing system on only one side of the road may lead to increased mortality. However, this suggestion needs to be confirmed by further data.

Pour limiter l'impact des activités humaines sur la biodiversité, les populations animales sont gérées dans de nombreux contextes. La gestion des populations animales comprend la conservation des espèces menacées, comme l’exploitation/régulation des espèces gibiers ou considérées nuisibles. Elle consiste à modifier la dynamique des populations soit en favorisant leur croissance, soit en réduisant leur abondance. Face à l’urgence d’agir dans un contexte de ressources financières limitées, une gestion efficiente des populations animales requiert une bonne compréhension de leur dynamique en réponse aux actions mises en œuvre. Durant mon doctorat, j’ai travaillé en partenariat avec des gestionnaires agissant sur deux systèmes biologiques : la conservation de rapaces méditerranéens (aigles de Bonelli et vautours percnoptères) et la régulation des densités de renards en paysage rural. Pour chaque système, mon travail a consisté i) en l’analyse des suivis de populations qui sont réalisés pour ii) évaluer l’effet de la gestion sur la dynamique des espèces gérées. Dans les deux contextes, j’ai pu iii) mettre en évidence la contribution de l’immigration à la croissance des populations menacées, comme à l’atténuation des effets de la régulation. Après iv) avoir extrait des recommandations pouvant améliorer l’efficience de la gestion en tenant compte de ces processus d’immigration, mon travail s’est conclu par v) une réflexion en retour sur l’optimisation des suivis de populations, afin qu’ils génèrent le plus d’informations pour un investissement moindre. Dans l’ensemble, ce travail aboutit à une réflexion sur les moyens favorisant une gestion efficiente des populations animales
Due to the multiple interactions linking species together, human activities and animal species influence each other. Animal populations are therefore managed to favour long-term cohabitation. Wildlife management includes the conservation of endangered species, the harvest of game species and the control of species considered as pest. It consists in impacting population dynamics (density variation in a territory) either by favouring or limiting population growth. Faced with the complexity of ecological processes and the urgent need for acting in a context of decreasing allocated resources, an efficient management requires a precious understanding of population dynamics in response to actions. During my PhD, I collaborated with managers supervising two contrasted biological systems: the conservation of endangered Mediterranean raptors (Bonelli’s eagles and Egyptian vultures) and the control of fox densities in French rural landscapes. For each case of study, my work consisted in i) analysing data from population monitoring designed to ii) evaluate the management impact on population dynamics. In both systems, I highlighted iii) the crucial importance of immigration either in boosting endangered population or compensating for fox regulation. After having iv) derived concrete guidelines to improve management facing with immigration. I concluded my PhD by v) searching in turn for cost-effective designs of population monitoring. Overall, I questioned the contrasted systems I studied to understand pitfalls and solutions favouring an efficient management of animal populations

Crashes resulting from automobiles running a red light are typically severe in nature. One way to try to reduce the number and severity of these types of crashes is by increasing the red clearance interval of a traffic signal. In Portland, Oregon, eight intersections received a variety of treatments including red extensions. Determining which treatment had what effect can be difficult to weed out. Using a combination of crash analysis and a model simulating an intersection with red extensions, this paper describes the estimated impact of red light running intersection upgrades and red extensions on crashes. By performing a variety of before and after crash analysis, a reduction of angle crashes after treatments was detected, with a crash modification factor of 0.64 +/- 0.28 using the Empirical-Bayes method. Output from the simple simulation also suggest that red light running crashes can be reduced with red extension technology and confirms crash modification values determined from the Empirical-Bayes method.

Red Dresses for Funerals contains a scholarly preface concerning the nature of factuality versus credibility in the writing of fiction. Four original short stories are included in this thesis. "A Night With Lawrence Welk" explores the relationship between a patient and student intern psychologist. "Red Dresses for Funerals" is about a wedding that plays a significant role in a variety of the characters' lives. "Trace Elements" is the only story involving young children. "Trace Elements" explores the beginning of understanding of some of the grimmer aspects of reality. "Expectations, Great and Otherwise" addresses the issue of denial. These stories are linked by their setting, a small town in Texas.

The presentation will look beyond red flags to inform Rx legitimacy judgments and subsequent prescribing and dispensing decisions. The presenter will describe the outcomes of two research projects that examined prescribers’ and pharmacists’ perceptions of Rx legitimacy and Rx drug abuse communication behaviors. Attendees will gain insight into the process of evaluating Rx legitimacy and learn how subjectivity inherent in these judgments influences prescribing and dispensing behaviors and patient care. The presenter also will identify evidence­based, practice-friendly interventions to engage community pharmacists in community-based prevention of Rx drug abuse and its consequences.

The present work aims to evaluate the acceptance and preference for sweet taste in red wine, according to consumer segmentation in age, gender, personality type, tasting sensitivity and consumer experience in wine. A hundred and fourteen wine tasters were invited to the wine tasting, and the average age was 27 years. An addition of sugar was made with equal concentrations of glucose and fructose to the wine at 2g/L, 4g/L, 8g/L, 16g/L and 32g/L. Five pairs of glasses were presented for the subjects to taste containing each a control wine and a spiked sample. Pairs were presented in order of concentration, from 2g/L to 32g/l. The subjects were also asked to answer two online questionnaires at the end of the tasting, on the personality types and vinotype, which is related to mouth sensitivity. ISO-5495 paired comparison tests were used for sensorial analysis. The objective was to assess if any of the nine segmentation factors had influence on preference or rejection for spiked samples and to establish whether this preference was statistically significant. We concluded that it would be important to have subjects with an age average higher than 27 years and more experienced in wine drinking, mostly because the data relative to preferences in novices shows some dispersion and lack of attention. A panel of older and more experienced wine tasters is likely to be more attentive and focused and therefore yield differentiated results. It was also concluded that more research is required to extend this investigation to other wine styles because the differences in preferences can depend on other reasons, such as preferring a wine with more or less sugar according to the type of wine. Finally it was concluded also that some variables influence preference for sweet taste in red wine, such as gender, vinotype and category of experience
Mestrado em Viticultura e Enologia - Instituto Superior de Agronomia - UL / Faculdade de Ciências - Universidade do Porto

Odour plays an important role in many predator/prey interactions. In the northern hemisphere, many mammalian prey species have been shown to respond to predator odours. It is also widely assumed that mammalian predators utilise odours to locate their prey. This thesis explores the importance of odour in Australian mammalian predator/prey interactions. Responses of native Australian species to the faecal odour of two predators; the native tiger quoll Dasyurus maculatus and the introduced red fox Vulpes vulpes, were evaluated through live-trapping and focussed behavioural studies of captive animals. Tiger quoll responses to prey olfactory cues were investigated in a captive experiment. Native rodents (bush rats Rattus fuscipes, swamp rats R. lutreolus and eastern chestnut mice Pseudomys gracilicaudatus) equally avoided traps scented with either quoll or fox faeces, and in captive experiments, bush rats and swamp rats reduced their average speed in response to both predator odours. Of the marsupial species, northern brown bandicoots Isoodon macrourus and common brushtail possums Trichosurus vulpecula were captured more frequently in quoll-scented traps than unscented traps or foxscented traps, while captures of brown antechinus Antechinus stuarttii, long-nosed bandicoots Perameles nasuta and southern brown bandicoot I. obesulus were unaffected by the either predator odour. In captive experiments, brown antechinus, long-nosed and northern brown bandicoots decreased their foraging in response to both predator odours, and spent less time in areas scented with quoll faeces. Tiger quolls didn't appear to detect odour sources from a distance of >65 cm, but they did follow scent trails and spent more time in areas scented with the urine and faeces of potential prey. Chemical analysis revealed no common components in fox and quoll odour which prey species could be responding to. Therefore, these native species have evolved to respond to fox odour since foxes were introduced to Australia 130 years ago. The stronger response of native rodents to fox odour may be a legacy of their co-evolution with canid predators prior to entering Australia. A better understanding of how odour is utilised in Australian predator/prey interactions may lead to a greater ability to protect Australia's unique mammalian fauna from introduced predators.