Long-distance dispersal in red foxes Vulpes vulpes revealed by GPS tracking

Abstract

Dispersal is a fundamental process that facilitates population and range expansion by providing a mechanism for colonization and metapopulation linkages. Yet quantifying the dispersal process, particularly long-distance dispersal events, has been inherently difficult due to technological and observational limitations. Additionally, dispersal distance calculated as the straight-line distance between initiation and settlement fails to account for the actual movement path of the animal during dispersal. Here, we highlight six long-distance dispersal events, representing some of the longest dispersal distances recorded for red foxes. Cumulative dispersal movements ranged from 132 to 1036 km and occurred within both sexes (1 female, 5 males). With one exception, dispersal events ranged from 7 to 22 days and tended to be directed north-northwest. Importantly, cumulative movements were up to five times longer than straight-line distances, with two foxes traveling an additional 114 and 256 km before returning to, and settling in, areas previously encountered during dispersal. This suggests a role of habitat assessment and homing behavior during dispersal and indicates that the capacity and potential for dispersal are not limiting factors to either sex in a red fox population. Dispersal capacity should thus be considered regarding transboundary management and disease control of red fox populations.

Dispersal patterns in a medium‐density Irish badger population: Implications for understanding the dynamics of tuberculosis transmission

“…An assumption of straight‐line movement provided estimates of the number of social groups encountered, on average, 12 times lower than trajectory calculations. Similar severe underestimates have been reported for dispersing red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) (Walton, Samelius, Odden, & Willebrand, ). It is clear that assumptions of straight‐line travel have serious implications for the calculation of direct and indirect interactions within badger and fox populations across rural landscapes.…”

Restricted‐area culls and red fox abundance: Are effects a matter of time and place?

“…In our study, comparatively few areas with large culls sizes were imbedded in a mosaic of sites without fox control, rendering an effect on the reproducing population unlikely. This is also supported by extremely male-biased sex ratios in the culled foxes of as much as five to one animals culled in the study area (unpublished data) and the accessibility of cull sites for foxes from the wider landscape considering the potential dispersal distances of red foxes (Nowak, 2005;Walton et al, 2018). Finally, previous work highlights the importance of seasonal timing for the effectiveness of culls, but recommendations vary.…”

Next-generation phylogeography resolves post-glacial colonization patterns in a widespread carnivore, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), in Europe

“…sheets receded for many terrestrial species (45). Even though the maximum dispersal capabilities of the red fox are up to 1,000 km in Europe (46), this mirrors the pattern of mountains acting as significant barriers for the species in North America (47). This is in contrast to red foxes in the other Mediterranean peninsula, Apennine (Italy).…”