Factors affecting the diet of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in a heterogeneousMediterranean landscape

摘要: The diet of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) has been well studied in Europe, but limited information exists about its feeding habits Greece and other Mediterranean landscapes. We variation by analyzing contents from 219 stomachs central 2003 to 2005. used canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) quasi-distribution generalized linear model (GLM) response curves investigate whether trophic groups varied temporally and/or spatially with environmental factors. Mammals, arthropods, plants were most important diet; particular, European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) was consumed significantly more within hunting areas. CCA produced a significant for (trophic groups) predictor datasets (environmental, spatial, temporal variables). In addition, GLM resulted 13 best-fitted complexity models, which evaluated Akaike criterion. results demonstrated 4 basic predation patterns. First, showed an opportunistic exploitation food resources according seasonal appearance, gradients being main drivers affecting predation. Second, had generalist diet, consuming cold-blooded vertebrates, birds, small-sized carnivores highly way. Third, uniform on small mammals all habitat types during study. Finally, relies hares areas, irrespective type or gradients. Additional long-term studies are needed understand depth mechanisms involved those observed high rates hares.