Why are red foxes absent from some eucalypt forests in eastern New South Wales

摘要: The distribution and abundance of red foxes, other mammalian predators their ground-dwelling prey were examined in 29 areas two major regions eucalypt forests eastern New South Wales. In the southern region, foxes cats abundant. Dingoes (andor wild dogs) low or absent, spotted-tailed quolls rare medium-sized mammals (0.2-6 kg) scarce. northern absent from some areas, such as parts Chilelundi State Forest, where dingoes, cats, both regions, small ( 6kg) widespread generally Reasons for absence examined. Factors assessed follows: (i) relative predators; (ii) prey; (iii) European rabbits; (iv) habitat its structure; (v) proximity to freehold land; (vi) presence roads. Distance land most adequately explained forests. Red present all less than 2 km highest close (<1km) land. Severe disturbance clearing grazing agriculture appears play part fox demise grounddwelling mammals.