An Ecological Study of the Swift Fox (Vulpes velox) in the Oklahoma Panhandle

Abstract

Swift foxes studied in Beaver Co., Oklahoma, in 1965 and 1966 used dens throughout the year. Most dens had multiple entrances and were placed in open situations. Additional entrances were added prior to whelping. Location of dens seems to depend on properties of the soil including its friability. Dens in cultivated fields were temporary, infrequently used, and relatively shallow; those in pastures deeper and more permanent. Breeding begins in late December and most whelps are born around 1 April, average 5 (3 to 6) per litter. Family groups remain together until late August, when first-year individuals have attained adult size. Swift foxes probably pair and mate in their first year. Early growth rates are the same for both sexes, but adult males are larger than females. Adult foxes were heavily parasitized by fleas, ticks, cestodes and nematodes. The cestode Taenia multiceps and the tick Ixodes kingi are here first reported from swift foxes. The composition of 488 scats examined indicates that Sylvilagus sp. comprise over half the bulk of food consumed in early spring. Other important prey included birds, jack rabbits, and various rodents. Mammals other than lagomorphs account for 82% of the biomass represented in an autumn sample of scats. Remains at dens were those of larger prey species and hence were not a true representation of the food habits. Predation by swift foxes seems to be random and non-selective. Insects comprised the largest percentage of individuals represented in scats and stomachs, but are not significant in terms of biomass.