Spatio-temporal patterns of home range use by foxes (Vulpes vulpes in urban environments

摘要: Territories, being specific defended areas, are often considered as spatially consistent throughout the life span of an individual (e.g. Brown & Orians 1970). However, in some circumstances territory size and configuration may be adjusted to incorporate changes occupancy neighbouring territories or distribution abundance certain limiting resources (Kruuk Macdonald 1985). Doncaster (1991) reported that foxes, Vulpes vulpes, city Oxford showed a type instability, 'drifting' synchrony across so 'honeycomb pattern congruent ranges' was maintained. 'Drifting territoriality' is therefore not simply random instability home ranges, but directional phenomenon, can pictured fixed spatial arrangement moving landscape non-cyclical manner. measured rate this movement equivalent one range each year. Such 'drifting had been previously recorded for any species, those authors hypothesized it behavioural response by foxes urban environments terms their high mortality rapid food resources. In paper, we test hypothesis using data from living another British city. We investigate (i) organization exhibited Bristol, (ii) whether Bristol evidence particular they drifting territoriality Oxford, (iii) differences patterns resource availability fox indicative stability environment.