Seasonal variation in diet and traphic niche of the Red fix in an Alpine habitat
Year: 1994
Type: article
Abstract: The diet and trophic niche breadth of the fox {Vulpes vulpes) were studied in a high-elevation Alpine ecosystem to determine their monthly variations. The analysis of 270 faeces showed that the fox used all the Potential resources present in its habitat: of total diet, small mammals were the most frequent food category, but Orthoptera and marmots were also very important. Correlations between diet and weather variables suggested a seasonal shift in diet. From June to November foxes preyed mainly on insects and marmots, whereas ungulates, Lagomorpha, garbage and earthworms were eaten more often from December to May. These changes appeared related both to seasonal differences in food availability and to the presence of alternative preferred foods. Trophic niche was wide during the entire year, with a moderate increase in winter-spring when the absence of some main prey types forced the fox to exploit a larger range of items.
Authors: Lucherini, Mauro, Crema, Guilia
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2294937207