Successful neighbour: Interactions of the generalist carnivore red fox with dogs, wolves and humans for continued survival in dynamic anthropogenic landscapes

Abstract

Dens are crucial for the survival of all canids; however, for meso-carnivores such as Southeast Asian red foxes, denning is of greater importance as they utilize dens throughout the year for protection, resting and breeding. Red fox is known for its adaptability to dynamic anthropogenic changes and is the most widespread and successful wild terrestrial carnivore. With an ever-growing human population, choice of space for wild animals is limited and such adaptability is important for species survival. Food resource availability also plays an important role in choosing den sites. In this study we examined den site selection, den characteristics, seasonal diet variation of red fox and their diet-niche overlap with dog and wolf. Intensive surveys in search of fox dens were conducted across two study sites Chiktan and Changthang, India. Fox dens were found on mountain slopes where human disturbances were minimal. They also chose den sites closer to human settlements, water and road as compared to random points, which are risky and may expose pups to humans, but provide the advantage of procuring anthropogenic food subsidies. In Changthang, foxes preferred to den at a greater distance from human settlements as compared to Chiktan. The foxes of Chiktan showed a large diet overlap with dogs. While humans and wolves may act as facilitators providing additional food to red fox, dogs were the major competitors. The present research is of broad significance, given the increasing presence of human settlements within original animal ranges, even in remote harsh environments like the Trans-Himalaya.