Abstract
Water loss rates (W1) were determined by tritium dilution for free-ranging kit foxes ( Vulpes macrotis ), for unrestrained desert coyotes ( Canis latrans ), and for kit foxes in a naturally landscaped outdoor enclosure. Coyote W1 was much greater in summer than in winter ( P < 0.001). Seasonal variation of W1 was not statistically apparent in kit foxes. The weight-specific water loss of kit foxes was intermediate between summer and winter rates in coyotes. Kit fox W1 was 65% of that predicted on the basis of body weight, whereas W1 for summer coyotes was 155% of predicted. Metabolic water was estimated to contribute 18% of total daily water requirements for kit foxes and approximately 10% for coyotes in summer. For both coyotes and kit foxes, the acquisition of preformed water was calculated to require substantially more prey than was required to meet energy demands.
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