Vulpes Research Articles

Kızıl Tilkilerde (Vulpes vulpes) Cervix uteri, Corpus uteri ve Cornu uteri'nin Anatomik Yapısının İncelenmesi

The Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the largest of the true foxes and the most abundant wild member of the carnivora. This study aimed to determine the anatomical structure of the cervix uteri, corpus uteri and cornu uteri of the Red foxes. Animals that were taken to the Kafkas University Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, Kars, Turkey, because of various reasons, such as traffic accidents and firearm injuries, were used. The uterus of four Red foxes of similar ages, which could not be rescued by the Center despite all interventions, were dissected. Measurements were taken from the cervix uteri, corpus uteri and right-left cornu uteri using digital calipers. The weights of each organ section were measured using a precision scale. The mean length of the cervix uteri 11.54 ± 1.56 mm, width was 4.46 ± 0.52 mm, thickness was 5.18 ± 0.08 mm, and weight was 1.18 ± 0.04 g. The mean length of the corpus uteri was 20.68 ± 3.06 mm, width was 2.88 ± 0.50 mm, thickness was 2.22 ± 0.19 mm, and weight was 0.90 ± 0.01 g. The mean length of the cornu uteri was 79.85 ± 0.86 mm, width was 4.85 ± 0.79 mm, thickness was 4.33 ± 0.18 mm, and weight was 2.33 ± 0.12 g. In conclusion, information about the uterus of the female genital track of the Red foxes, was given in this study. We believe that the findings of this study may be useful for surgical and gynecological operations to be performed in red foxes and studies to be conducted on this subject.

Anatomical and histological structure of ovary and salpinx in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Red fox is the largest of the true foxes and the most abundant wild member of the carnivora. This study aimed to determine the anatomical and histological structure of the ovary and salpinx of the Red foxes. The ovary and salpinx of four Red foxes of similar ages, which could not be rescued by the Center despite all interventions, were dissected. Measurements were taken from the right-left ovary and salpinx using digital callipers. The weights of each ovary and salpinx were measured using a precision scale (min: 0.0001 g, max: 220 g). The mean length of the ovary was 13.43 ± 2.38 mm, the width was 6.28 ± 1.99 mm, the thickness was 4.89 ± 0.18 mm, and weight was 0.93 ± 0.14 g. The mean length of the salpinx was 76.22 ± 3.02 mm, the width was 1.98 ± 0.07 mm, and the weight was 0.53 ± 0.31 g. Crossman’s triple staining method was applied for histological examination of the ovary tissue. It was observed that the ovary was surrounded by germinative epithelium from the outside and consisted of the cortex with different follicles in the development stage, and the medulla layer with plenty of blood vessels and nerve plexuses inside. In conclusion, we believe that the findings of this study may be useful for further studies on foxes and surgical operations (ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy). In addition, it is aimed to eliminate the insufficient information regarding the reproductive system of wild animals in this study.

Worldwide occurrence of haemoplasmas in wildlife: Insights into the patterns of infection, transmission, pathology and zoonotic potential.

Haemotropic mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) have increasingly attracted the attention of wildlife disease researchers due to a combination of wide host range, high prevalence and genetic diversity. A systematic review identified 75 articles that investigated haemoplasma infection in wildlife by molecular methods (chiefly targeting partial 16S rRNA gene sequences), which included 131 host genera across six orders. Studies were less common in the Eastern Hemisphere (especially Africa and Asia) and more frequent in the Artiodactyla and Carnivora. Meta-analysis showed that infection prevalence did not vary by geographic region nor host order, but wild hosts showed significantly higher prevalence than captive hosts. Using a taxonomically flexible machine learning algorithm, we also found vampire bats and cervids to have greater prevalence, whereas mink, a subclade of vesper bats, and true foxes all had lower prevalence compared to the remaining sampled mammal phylogeny. Haemoplasma genotype and nucleotide diversity varied little among wild mammals but were marginally lower in primates and bats. Coinfection with more than one haemoplasma species or genotype was always confirmed when assessed. Risk factors of infection identified were sociality, age, males and high trophic levels, and both prevalence and diversity were often higher in undisturbed environments. Haemoplasmas likely use different and concurrent transmission routes and typically display enzootic dynamics when wild populations are studied longitudinally. Haemoplasma pathology is poorly known in wildlife but appears subclinical. Candidatus Mycoplasma haematohominis, which causes disease in humans, probably has it natural host in bats. Haemoplasmas can serve as a model system in ecological and evolutionary studies, and future research on these pathogens in wildlife must focus on increasing the geographic range and taxa of studies and elucidating pathology, transmission and zoonotic potential. To facilitate such work, we recommend using universal PCR primers or NGS protocols to detect novel haemoplasmas and other genetic markers to differentiate among species and infer cross-species transmission.

Kızıl Tilkilerde (Vulpes vulpes) Arteria Carotis Externa ve Dalları Üzerine Makroanatomik Bir Araştırma

Bu çalışmanın amacı kızıl tilkilerde arteria (a). carotis externa ve bundan ayrılan dalların makro-anatomik yapısını incelemektir. Bu amaçla, kış aylarında Kars ili çevre yolunda ve merkez köy yollarında trafik kazası sonucu ölü olarak bulunan 6 adet kızıl tilki başı materyal olarak kullanılmıştır. Tilki başlarının arteriyel vaskularizasyonunu sağlayan arteria (a.) carotis communis dextra ve a. carotis communis sinistra ‘dan %0.9‘luk tuzlu su çözeltisi verilerek arterler yıkandı. A. carotis communis dextra ve a. carotis communis sinistra’ya renklendirilmiş latex enjekte edilerek baş bölgesindeki arterlerin dolması sağlanmıştır. Latex’in katılaşması için materyaller oda sıcaklığında çeşme suyu içerisinde 24 saat bekletildi. Daha sonra % 10‘luk formaldehit solüsyonu içerisinde 8-12 gün bekletilmiştir. Yapılan diseksiyonlar sonucunda a. carotis communis’ten a. carotis externa ve a. carotis interna ayrıldıktan sonra, a. carotis externa’dan da; a. occipitalis, a. laryngea cranialis, a. lingualis, a. facialis, a. auricularis caudalis, a. temporalis superficialis, isimli dalların ayrıldığı görüldü. A. carotis externa’nın devamının a. maxillaris olduğu, a. maxillaris’ten de ilk önce a. alveolaris inferior ve a. temporalis profunda caudalis’in ayrıldığı tespit edildi. Daha sonra canalis alaris’e giren a. maxillaris’in kanal içerisinde hiç dal vermeyip kanaldan çıktıktan sonra a. ophthalmica externa, a. ethmoidalis externa ve a. temporalis profunda rostralis’i verdiği görülmüştür. Sonuç olarak kızıl tilkilerde a. carotis externa ve dalları üzerine yürütülen bu araştırma ile kızıl tilkilerin baş bölgesindeki damarların seyir ve dallanmalarının genel olarak carnivorlarla benzerlik gösterdiği ancak bazı farklılıkların da olduğu tespit edilmiştir.

Veterinary forensic sciences to solve a fatal case of predation on flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus).

The present case study concerns a case of predation of 4 individuals of captive pink flamingo in Emilia Romagna Region, Northeastern Italy. The pink flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is a species included in the Red List of Threatened Species established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) which lists species in danger of extinction. During the Winter of 2013, 4 flamingos (2 in the Comacchio area, and 2 from Argenta and Codigoro oases - Ferrara province) were found dead some of them headless, with their bodies severely bitten. At first, a fox (Vulpes vulpes) was suspected to be the predator responsible for the killing and the birds were taken to the laboratory for further investigations. The investigations included: field observations, study of the predator behaviour, necropsy examinations, assessment of the intercanine distance, and genetic analysis on the predator's traces. The intercanine distance indicated that the predator could not have been a fox. The analysis of salivary DNA samples enabled us to establish that the predator was in fact a dog. This case highlights the importance of co-operation among the various branches of forensic sciences and the great usefulness of the roles filled by other veterinary forensic experts involved in solving crime.

Complete mitochondrial genome of a bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis), along with phylogenetic considerations

The bat-eared fox, Otocyon megalotis, is the only member of its genus and is thought to occupy a basal position within the dog family. These factors can lead to challenges in complete mitochondrial reconstructions and accurate phylogenetic positioning. Here, we present the first complete mitochondrial genome of the bat-eared fox recovered using shotgun sequencing and iterative mapping to three distantly related species. Phylogenetic analyses placed the bat-eared fox basal in the Canidae family within the clade including true foxes (Vulpes) and the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes) with high support values. This position is in good agreement with previously published results based on short fragments of mitochondrial and nuclear genes, therefore adding more support to the basal positioning of the bat-eared fox within Canidae.

Georgian white coat color of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) maps to fox chromosome 2 in the region containing KIT gene.

Georgian white coat color of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) maps to fox chromosome 2 in the region containing KIT gene.

Genetic signatures of adaptation revealed from transcriptome sequencing of Arctic and red foxes.

BackgroundThe genus Vulpes (true foxes) comprises numerous species that inhabit a wide range of habitats and climatic conditions, including one species, the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) which is adapted to the arctic region. A close relative to the Arctic fox, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), occurs in subarctic to subtropical habitats. To study the genetic basis of their adaptations to different environments, transcriptome sequences from two Arctic foxes and one red fox individual were generated and analyzed for signatures of positive selection. In addition, the data allowed for a phylogenetic analysis and divergence time estimate between the two fox species.ResultsThe de novo assembly of reads resulted in more than 160,000 contigs/transcripts per individual. Approximately 17,000 homologous genes were identified using human and the non-redundant databases. Positive selection analyses revealed several genes involved in various metabolic and molecular processes such as energy metabolism, cardiac gene regulation, apoptosis and blood coagulation to be under positive selection in foxes. Branch site tests identified four genes to be under positive selection in the Arctic fox transcriptome, two of which are fat metabolism genes. In the red fox transcriptome eight genes are under positive selection, including molecular process genes, notably genes involved in ATP metabolism. Analysis of the three transcriptomes and five Sanger re-sequenced genes in additional individuals identified a lower genetic variability within Arctic foxes compared to red foxes, which is consistent with distribution range differences and demographic responses to past climatic fluctuations. A phylogenomic analysis estimated that the Arctic and red fox lineages diverged about three million years ago.ConclusionsTranscriptome data are an economic way to generate genomic resources for evolutionary studies. Despite not representing an entire genome, this transcriptome analysis identified numerous genes that are relevant to arctic adaptation in foxes. Similar to polar bears, fat metabolism seems to play a central role in adaptation of Arctic foxes to the cold climate, as has been identified in the polar bear, another arctic specialist.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1724-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A Preliminary overview of the Subspecies of Red Fox and Tibetan Sand Fox in the Himalaya, India

We conducted extensive surveys for the Red Fox Vulpes vulpes and Tibetan Sand Fox V. ferrilata in the Greater and Trans-Himalaya of north and north-east India between 2008 and 2013, with opportunistic camera trapping done in Kargil, Jammu & Kashmir. In this paper, we provide an update on the distribution of V. v. griffithii in the Himalaya, discuss our observations on V. v. montana , and support the claim of the occurrence of V. ferrilata in India. We also discuss the distribution overlap of V. v. montana with V. v. griffithii in the Western Himalaya; V. v. montana with V. ferrilata in the Eastern Himalaya; and V. v. montana with Indian Fox V. bengalensis in the foothills of the Himalaya.

Echinococcus multilocularis in the red fox Vulpes vulpes from the East Carpathian region of Poland and the Slovak Republic.

The occurrence of Echinococcus multilocularis in the Poland-Slovak frontier zone of the East Carpathian region was assessed, for comparison with that in adjacent regions in both countries. A total of 392 red foxes from Poland and 427 red foxes from the Slovak Republic were examined from 2001 to 2004. Significant differences in prevalences were observed in foxes captured from the borderland and adjacent zones in both countries. The mean prevalence of E. multilocularis in the Polish borderland reached 45.7+/-18.6% and in the Slovak border 35.0+/-10.7%. In both countries, the prevalence of E. multilocularis in red foxes from adjacent districts, outside the frontier Carpathian region, was considerably lower (18.9+/-9.2% in Poland and 20.8+/-9.0% in Slovakia). These differences are probably due to geomorphological and ecological factors, which contribute to the survival of the tapeworm eggs and the subsequent spread of infection. The Carpathian regions of northeast Slovakia and southeast Poland are characterized by specific climatic conditions such as low mean annual air temperatures, low temperatures in active soil surfaces, high soil humidities and a high mean annual rainfall.

Local feeding specialization of the red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) in response to eastern cottontail ( Sylvilagus floridanus ) introduction (NW Italy)

Abstract To appreciate the influence of the introduction of the Eastern cottontail ( Sylvilagus floridanus ) on the food habits of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), between June 1998 and February 2000 fox diet was investigated by means of scat analysis (N=115) in a 250 ha wide Natural Reserve of NW Italy, and compared with data collected in the same area prior to cottontail colonization (1988-1989). Comparison included also the diet of badgers ( Meles meles ), considered as potential competitors for food resources. Alien lagomorphs (mean percent volume, Vm% = 68%) represented by far the most exploited resource, only three other food items reaching values of mean percent volume barely higher than 5%. Cottontails frequency of occurrence did not vary according either to season or to their reproductive cycle (II-IX vs. X-I), whilst diet niche breadth varied inversely proportional to the use of this key-resource. Overall fox trophic niche breadth varied from 0.64 in 1988-89 to 0.31 in 1998-00 (B, Levin’s index). These findings led us to consider the feeding habits of the fox in the study area as a result of local specialization of a typical generalist carnivore, according to the predictions of optimal foraging theory. No variation occurred in the badger niche breadth since cottontail introduction, whilst niche overlap between foxes and badgers decreased from 0.59 to 0.13 (O, Pianka’s index), possibly reducing competition for food in summer. Riassunto Specializzazione alimentare a livello locale della Volpe Vulpes vulpes in risposta all’introduzione del Silvilago Sylvilagus floridanus (Italia nord occidentale). Per valutare gli effetti dell’introduzione del Silvilago ( Sylvilagus floridanus ) sul comportamento alimentare della volpe ( Vulpes vulpes ), nel periodo giugno 1998-febbraio 2000, la dieta del carnivoro e stata definita tramite l’analisi di 115 feci raccolte nella Riserva Naturale “Garzaia di Valenza” (Provincia di Alessandria, Italia nord occidentale) di circa 250 ha. I risultati ottenuti sono stati confrontati con quelli conseguiti nella medesima area prima dell’introduzione del Silvilago, oltre che con quelli disponibili sulla dieta del Tasso ( Meles meles ), che puo essere ritenuto un potenziale competitore per le risorse alimentari. I lagomorfi sono risultati la categoria alimentare maggiormente consumata (volume medio percentuale, Vm% = 68%), mentre solo tre altre categorie hanno raggiunto valori di Vm di poco superiori al 5%. Non sono emerse variazioni stagionali o relative al periodo riproduttivo (febbraio-settembre vs. ottobre-gennaio) del Silvilago, anche se l’ampiezza di nicchia complessiva e risultata inversamente proporzionale al consumo di lagomorfi. L’ampiezza di nicchia della Volpe e scesa da 0,64 nel 1988-89 a 0,31 nel 1998-00. Nel complesso, la dieta della Volpe nell’area di studio puo essere considerata l’espressione di una specializzazione a livello locale, cosi come previsto dalla teoria del foraggiamento ottimale. Non e emersa alcuna variazione per l’ampiezza di nicchia del Tasso, mentre il grado di sovrapposizione (indice di Pianka) tra il mustelide e la Volpe e nettamente diminuito (da 0,59 a 0,13). In questi termini la specializzazione della Volpe potrebbe rendere minima la competizione alimentare con il Tasso, in particolar modo in estate, quando la siccita limita la disponibilita di lombrichi.

Copro-diagnosis of Echinococcus multilocularis by a nested PCR in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from northern Italy.

Copro-diagnosis of Echinococcus multilocularis by a nested PCR in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from northern Italy.

Partial characterization of antigenic sperm proteins in foxes (Vulpes vulpes).

The aim of this work was to identify antigenic proteins on fox spermatozoa. Fox spermatozoa proteins were injected into 3 female rabbits and into 3 male and 3 female foxes. In rabbits, a rapid humoral response was observed. Using rabbit sera for Western blotting, 23 fox sperm protein bands were recognized between 10 and 110 kd. In foxes, the time course of antibody response was studied in the same manner. The number of recognized bands was maximal on day 75 for 2 foxes, on day 90 for 3 foxes, and on day 120 for 1 fox. Western blot patterns varied from one fox to another. On the whole, 25 protein bands between 10 and 110 kd were recognized. Using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeling on fox spermatozoa with rabbit and fox sera, we showed that several antigens recognized by the antisera were located at or near the surface of the spermatozoa. By two-dimensional electrophoresis and gel-purification, we have selected 6 highly antigenic proteins with molecular weights of 11.4, 14.7, 16.4, 16.4, 16.8, and 16.9 kd, and isoelectric points of 6.0, 6.0, 6.2, 5.5, 5.3, and 5.8, respectively, and one antigenic protein at 97 kd with an isoelectric point of 4.3 to 4.6. The results of this study can be used to characterize these 7 antigens selected more precisely by microsequencing or mass spectrometry.

Fecundity and egg output by Toxocara canis in the red fox, Vulpes vulpes.

The role of the red fox Vulpes vulpes in the dissemination of eggs of Toxocara canis into the environment is considered with reference to female worm fecundity and egg output in the faeces of infected foxes collected from four localities in southern England. A significant positive correlation was found between female worm size and the number of eggs in the uterus but there was no significant relationship between T. canis worm numbers and egg output in fox faeces. Reliable estimates of worm burdens in foxes could not, therefore, be determined from faecal egg counts alone. The highest mean egg output of 2145.0 epg recorded from adult foxes indicated that fox cubs are not necessarily the main sources of environmental contamination with T. canis eggs. Saturated magnesium sulphate was found to be a more effective flotation solution than zinc sulphate and sodium chloride for recovering eggs from fox faecal samples.

Seasonal changes of trophic niche overlap in the stone marten ( Martes foina ) and the red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) in a mountainous area of the Northern Apennines (N-Italy)

Abstract Between 1989 and 1991, 284 scats of stone marten ( Martes foina ) and 642 scats of red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) were collected in a 280 km² mountainous area in the northern Apennines. The scats were analyzed to identify differences between the two species' diets. The prey were grouped in 6 food categories: Fruits, Other Vegetables, Small Mammals, Other Vertebrates, Invertebrates and Garbage. Annual trophic niche was wider in the Red fox (0.62) than in the stone marten (0.53). We also found a large overlap between the two species with some small differences: Other Vertebrates, Small Mammals and Other Vegetables were more used by the Red fox, while Fruits were more used by the stone marten. Riassunto Variazioni stagionali della sovrapposizione di nicchia trofica della faina ( Martes foina ) e della volpe ( Vulpes vulpes ) in un'area montana degli Appennini settentrionali - Tra il 1989 e il 1991 sono state raccolte 284 feci di faina ( Martes foina ) e 642 feci di volpe ( Vulpes vulpes ) in un'area montuosa di 280 km² situata nell'Appennino settentrionale. Le feci sono state analizzate per evidenziare le eventuali differenze nella dieta delle due specie. Le singole prede sono state raggruppate in 6 categorie alimentari: Frutta, Altri Vegetali, Micromammiferi, Altri Vertebrati, Invertebrati, Rifiuti. L'ampiezza annuale della dieta e risultata maggiore nella Volpe (0,62) che non nella Faina (0,53). E stata trovata inoltre una larga sovrapposizione tra le due specie con alcune differenze nell'uso degli Altri Vertebrati, dei Micromammiferi e degli Altri Vegetali che e maggiore nella Volpe e della Frutta, maggiore nella Faina.

Badger Meles meles and Fox Vulpes vulpes food in agricultural land in the western Po Plain (Italy)

Abstract Fox and badger diets were studied by means of scat analysis in agricultural land in northern Italy. Earthworms and corn were the staple food for the badger, while foxes fed mainly on animal food (birds and mammals). Dietary overlap between the two species was low. Fox diets were substantially similar to those in north-central Europe and other areas of Italy. Badger diets differed from those in mediterranean areas of Italy and were similar to diets of north European populations. Riassunto Alimentazione di Tasso Meles meles e Volpe Vulpes vulpes in aree agricole della Pianura Padana occidentale - La dieta di tasso e volpe in un'area agricola della Pianura Padana occidentale e stata studiata mediante analisi delle feci. Lombrichi e mais rappresentano la principale fonte alimentare per il tasso, mentre la dieta della volpe e basata prevalentemente su uccelli e mammiferi. La sovrapposizione alimentare fra le due specie e ridotta. La dieta della volpe e simile a quella delle popolazioni dell'Europa centrale e settentrionale; la dieta del tasso differisce nettamente da quella delle popolazioni italiane che vivono in ambiente mediterraneo.

Anal-Sac Secretions Deposited with Feces by Captive Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

La proportion de feces qui contiennent des secretions anales a ete etudiee chez le renard roux captif, ainsi que l'eventuelle difference dans la frequence de secretion anale pour les mâles et les femelles

Some observations on the home ranges of vixens (Vulpes vulpes) in the suburbs of Edinburgh

Some observations on the home ranges of vixens (<i>Vulpes vulpes</i>) in the suburbs of Edinburgh

Behaviour and ecology of the Ruppell’s fox, Vulpes ruppelli, in Oman

Behaviour and ecology of the Ruppell’s fox, Vulpes ruppelli, in Oman

A note on the breeding records of Japanese foxes Vulpes vulpes japonica at Tokyo Tama Zoo

a note on the breeding records of Japanese foxes <i>Vulpes vulpes japonica</i> at Tokyo Tama Zoo