Fluctuations and behaviour of foxes determined by nightlighting. Preliminary results

Abstract

Nightlighting was used to determine the fluctuations of a red fox Vulpes vulpes Linnaeus, 1758 population in the Swiss Jura Mountains between July 1987 and April 1990. Number of foxes seen fluctuated according to months and years. It decreased in winter. Fewer foxes were also seen in 1988, likely because of the high human hunting pressure. The behaviour of every fox seen was recorded. Their main activity was hunting and foraging (45%).