Effects of habitat composition on the use of resources by the red fox in a semi arid environment of North Africa

摘要: The red fox Vulpes vulpes is considered an opportunistic predator able to avoid prey shortages by exploiting a wide range of available food resources. However, as predicted the Resources Dispersion Hypothesis (RDH), distribution other key resources such suitable areas for dens can affect populations. Furthermore, in insularity conditions, are spatially limited and their availability greatly influenced territory sizes feeding habits predators. In this paper we report spatial use foraging foxes three habitats (grassland, cultivation suburban) sub-arid island off north Africa relation habitat composition availability. We found that diet gross sense did not differ significantly among habitats, with insects comprising > 48% fruits 25% total items. Grasslands offered temporary clumped (e.g. birds) induced increase enlarge during shortages. Inversely, cultivated suburban areas, main (insects) were more evenly distributed, especially olive groves which constitute most extensive form on island. large covered trees, high Coleoptera spp. reduced core used also distances dens. Palm patchy but contained densities Orthoptera date represent alternative sources. Thus, these patches attractive places, modification perimeter territories was necessary exploitation. Our study confirmed arid environment, per se affected generalist less than dispersion its prey. addition, assume role spacing behaviours only types.