Effects of sika deer density on the diet and population of red foxes

Seki, Yoichi; Ito, Masafumi; Okuda, Kei; Koganezawa, Masaaki

doi:10.1007/s10344-021-01475-5

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 73 publications

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“…This pattern was particularly evident in the Nikko region (Oku-Nikko and Ashio in Figure 1), central Japan (Koganezawa & Kurokawa, 1983;Seki et al, 2021;Takeuchi, 1995), and in Shiretoko in Hokkaido (Tsukada, 1997), where the population density of sika deer (Cervus nippon) is exceptionally high (Kaji et al, 2004;Seto et al, 2015). In the Nikko region, carcass consumption increased in recent years (Koganezawa & Kurokawa, 1983;Seki et al, 2021;Takeuchi, 1995), a pattern that might be explained by the growing number of hunted deer through lethal control programs (e.g., culling) (Lafferty et al, 2016). In Hokkaido, the number of fox roadkills was positively associated with the number of hunted deer.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

“…Notably, red foxes most frequently consumed carcasses (mostly wild ungulates) in spring, probably due to increased carrion provisioning by human hunters during the hunting season (November–March). This pattern was particularly evident in the Nikko region (Oku‐Nikko and Ashio in Figure 1), central Japan (Koganezawa & Kurokawa, 1983; Seki et al, 2021; Takeuchi, 1995), and in Shiretoko in Hokkaido (Tsukada, 1997), where the population density of sika deer ( Cervus nippon ) is exceptionally high (Kaji et al, 2004; Seto et al, 2015). In the Nikko region, carcass consumption increased in recent years (Koganezawa & Kurokawa, 1983; Seki et al, 2021; Takeuchi, 1995), a pattern that might be explained by the growing number of hunted deer through lethal control programs (e.g., culling) (Lafferty et al, 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…We conducted a meta-analysis of published studies on the general diet composition of red foxes in Japan. We investigated how red fox food selection (animal, plant, and anthropogenic foods) is associated with seasonality, F I G U R E 1 Geographical locations of studies included in the meta-analysis across the Japanese archipelago from 16 studies (Hisano et al, 2017;Kaneko et al, 2001;Kitahara, 1985;Koganezawa & Kurokawa, 1983;Koike et al, 2012;Kondo, 1980;Kondo et al, 1986;Kondo & Shiraki, 2013;Miyao et al, 1977;Miyoshi, 2006;Seki et al, 2021;Takeuchi, 1995;Tsukada, 1997;Ueuma et al, 2005;Yagami & Mizuno, 1986;Yamamoto, 1994). The gray dashed lines between the northern (Hokkaido) and central (Honshu) main islands indicate the distribution boundary of Vulpes vulpes sherencki and V. vulpes japonica (i.e., the Blakiston line).…”

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confidence: 99%

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Red foxes in Japan show adaptability in prey resource according to geography and season: A meta‐analysis

Hisano

Evans

Soga

et al. 2021

Ecological Research

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The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the world's most widespread member of the order Carnivora, occurring across a large range of latitudes and inhabiting multiple habitat types. There is no comprehensive study of how the diets of this flexible generalist vary across the whole Asian continent. We conducted a meta‐analysis of red fox diets in Japan, examining the patterns in food type selection and their associations with seasonality, regional climate, vegetation productivity, and human influences at the national scale. Using linear mixed models, we revealed significant seasonal effects on the frequency of occurrence of mammals in general, ungulate carcasses, birds, and invertebrates in the diets of red foxes. Furthermore, the frequency of occurrence of mammals significantly decreased with mean annual temperature and increased with vegetation productivity. The frequency of invertebrate occurrences increased with temperature, and that of anthropogenic foods increased with human population density. Trophic diversity and dietary niche breadth increased with annual temperature but decreased with vegetation productivity and population density. These results suggest that the red fox is a flexible predator in Japan that adapts its foraging patterns according to variations in resource availability and abiotic conditions, while persistently consuming a certain ratio of animal prey to meet its metabolic requirements. Modifications of predators' trophic niches can influence structures of prey communities and interactions with sympatric competitors. Our findings are important for informing ecosystem management practices under ongoing environmental and social changes in Japan.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

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confidence: 99%

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Red foxes in Japan show adaptability in prey resource according to geography and season: A meta‐analysis

Hisano

Evans

Soga

et al. 2021

Ecological Research

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“…Due to the recent range expansions and populations increases of Sika Deer Cervus nippon and Wild Boar Sus scrofa , and their impacts on forest ecosystems (e.g., Massei & Genov 2004; Takatsuki 2009), there is growing concern that browsing by deer and soil disturbance by wild boar not only directly affect forest vegetation but also indirectly affect other species through altered vegetation structure (e.g., Mori et al 2020; Seki et al 2021). Soil animals, the main prey of the Japanese Night Heron, are no exception to these effects.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Behaviour of Japanese Night Heron Gorsachius goisagi on Awaji Island, Japan, Recorded by Camera Traps

Higashide

Kuriyama

Takagi

et al. 2023

Ornithological Science

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Japanese Night Heron Gorsachius goisagi has recently been down-listed in status from Endangered to Vulnerable by BirdLife International due to the presence of a likely larger population than previously considered. However, there is still relatively little known about the ecology and current population status of this rare, elusive, and solitary species. In this study, we used infrared cameras to study its behaviour. We installed cameras at 120 locations on the forest floor of Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, over approximately one year. Japanese Night Heron was recorded at 15 locations (132 video files of 25 independent events). All records except one were obtained during the daytime, and all involved herons walking on the forest floor where they were searching for potential prey items (most likely earthworms). Both adult and recently fledged juvenile herons were recorded, providing direct evidence that the species breeds on Awaji Island. Additionally, a zero-inflated Poisson GLMM analysis showed that Japanese Night Heron may not prefer evergreen coniferous plantations. Our results not only indicate that the species forages diurnally, contrary to its common name, but also sheds light on the importance of maintaining forests and foraging ground environments for the conservation of this species.

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Plant–plant interaction by Aster leiophyllus affects herbivory by Sika deer, Cervus nippon

Ohsaki

Miyamoto²,

Sembongi³

et al. 2022

Sci Nat

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Effects of sika deer density on the diet and population of red foxes

Cited by 5 publications

References 73 publications

Red foxes in Japan show adaptability in prey resource according to geography and season: A meta‐analysis

Red foxes in Japan show adaptability in prey resource according to geography and season: A meta‐analysis

The Behaviour of Japanese Night Heron Gorsachius goisagi on Awaji Island, Japan, Recorded by Camera Traps

Plant–plant interaction by Aster leiophyllus affects herbivory by Sika deer, Cervus nippon

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