Distribution, morphology, and habitat use of the red fox in the northern Yellowstone ecosystem
Year: 1998
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The distribution, morphology, and habitat use of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was examined in the northern Yellowstone ecosystem during the winters of 1994-1995 and 1995-1996.National Park Service sighting records were examined to indicate the overall abundance of red foxes within Yellowstone National Park.Morphological and genetic samples were collected on live-captured and dead foxes to identify the presence and distribution of potential red fox subspecies across an elevational gradient.In the examination of morphological measurements on 22 red foxes captured at elevations of 1350-3350 m, shorter tail length at higher elevations was the only significant parameter.Other parameters indicated trends of beneficial adaptations to climatically harsh environments at high elevations.At elevations above 2300 m, there was a significant higher frequency of observations of a light gray coat color.It appeared through genetic analysis that the population of foxes above 2100 m was genetically isolated from lower elevations.This occurred without a geographic barrier between subpopulations.By snow tracking foxes using GPS and GIS technology, the habitat use compared to availability in a coyote-dominated canid assemblage was determined.Habitat characteristics were measured at 699 habitat points, 75 forage sites, and 9 bed sites along 77 km of fox tracks.Foxes were distributed across the study area and in a wide range of forest cover types and habitat components.In all categories, foxes selected (use significantly greater than availability) habitat that was <25 m from an ecotone.They preferred mesic meadows and spruce-fir habitats at low angle slopes with a wide range of aspects.Sagebrush communities were also frequently used.Foxes foraged in mesic meadows, sagebrush communities, and spruce-fir forests close to ecotones.Below 2100 m, foxes were more general in their use of habitat compared with availability and foraged in mesic meadows and sagebrush.Above 2100 m foxes preferred spruce-fir forests and mesic meadows were also used extensively.Foxes foraged in mesic meadows and spruce-fir and older lodgepole pine forests above 2100 m.
Author: Robert Todd Fuhrmann
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W885285433