Red fox Vulpes vulpes density and habitat use in a rural area of Western Poland in the end of 1990s, compared with the turn of 1970s

摘要: The red foxVulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) density and habitat use were studied in open farmland of western Poland, where forests covered only 6% the area. During 1997-2000, nocturnal spotlight counts (in spring early winter), location breeding sites snow tracking carried out, feeding was described based on stomach content shot individuals. average fox estimated ground 1.02 individuals/km2 1.63 ind./km2 winter, while winter obtained from results track 1.26 ind./km2. population density, calculated as double (mean 0.31/km2), amounted to 61% total which indicates occurrence surplus individuals population. searching intensity by foxes did not changed with increasing distance forests, but relatively larger number observed <0.5 km than 0.5–1.0 away settlements. Out 81 identified sites, 17% located 83% farmland. predominant ingredients fox’s diet farm livestock small rodents (44.4 43.8% volume, respectively). study area 5.4 times higher, compared turn 1970s, changes consisted more intensive occupation human-produced food. Thus, these may have been among reasons increase Poland.