Estimating red fox density using non-invasive genetic sampling and spatial capture–recapture modelling

Lindsø, Lars; Dupont, Pierre; Rød‐Eriksen, Lars; Andersskog, Ida Pernille Øystese; Ulvund, Kristine; Flagstad, Øystein; Bischof, Richard; Eide, Nina E.

doi:10.1007/s00442-021-05087-3

Cited by 10 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 70 publications

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“…Average genotyping success (52.8%) was consistent with previous studies based on faecal DNA (e.g., 48% 54 , 58% 55 ). Densities fell within the range reported for Italian fox populations (1-2,5 foxes/km 2 ) 56 .…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Nutritional ecology of a prototypical generalist predator, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Balestrieri,

Gigliotti,

Caniglia

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Generalist species, which exploit a wide range of food resources, are expected to be able to combine available resources as to attain their specific macronutrient balance (intake target). Among mammalian predators, the red fox Vulpes vulpes is a widespread, opportunistic forager: its diet has been largely studied, outlining wide variation according to geographic and climatic factors. We aimed to check if, throughout the species’ European range, diets vary widely in macronutrient composition or foxes can combine complementary foods to gain the same nutrient intake. First, we assessed fox’s intake target in the framework of nutritional geometry. Secondly, we tried to highlight the effects of unbalanced diets on fox density, which was assumed as a proxy for Darwinian fitness, as assessed in five areas of the western Italian Alps. Unexpectedly, the target macronutrient ratio of the fox (52.4% protein-, 38.7% lipid- and 8.9% carbohydrate energy) was consistent with that of hypercarnivores, such as wolves and felids, except for carbohydrate intakes in urban and rural habitats. The inverse relation between density and the deviation of observed macronutrient ratios from the intake target suggests that fox capability of surviving in a wide range of habitats may not be exempt from fitness costs and that nutrient availability should be regarded among the biotic factors affecting animal abundance and distribution.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Nutritional ecology of a prototypical generalist predator, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Balestrieri,

Gigliotti,

Caniglia

et al. 2024

Preprint

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“…We found no significant correlation between minimum NI genotyped and abundance. Including more faeces could help identify a potential relationship between the minimum number of individuals identified by DNA faeces sampling, NI photo-identified, and abundance (Wegge et al 2019;Lindsø et al 2022). Future research should include random transects out of existing trails to increase the number of faeces and detections of individuals.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparing minimum number of individuals and abundance from non-invasive DNA sampling and camera trapping in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes)

et al. 2023

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Applying the most appropriate sampling method is essential for estimating population size. Sampling methods and techniques to estimate abundance may be limited by environmental characteristics, species traits, specific requirements of the techniques, or the economic resources to carry out the sampling. Thus, evaluating multiple sampling methods in monitoring populations is essential for establishing effective conservation strategies. In this study, we compare two of the most commonly used sampling methods with the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) as the type species. On the one hand, we compared the minimum number of individuals (NI) detected by camera trapping, identifying individuals by morphological characteristics with the minimum number of individuals detected by DNA faeces and a set of 16 microsatellites. On the other hand, we estimated abundance by performing an N-mixture model using information from camera-traps to study the relationship between abundance and the minimum number of individuals detected. Results showed that the minimum NI provided by camera trapping was slightly higher than that of DNA faecal genotyping, with 23.66 and 19 individuals, respectively. In addition, abundance and NI detected by camera trapping showed a positive relationship. In contrast, there was a non-significant negative relationship between NI detected by faecal DNA and abundance estimates. Our results suggest using the minimum number of photo-identified individuals as a reliable index to study variation in red fox abundance when other advanced methods cannot be implemented in the study of population size. However, it is necessary to improve the methods of faecal sampling to study the relationship with camera-trap data.

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“…The red fox is the most widespread free-living predator in the world [ 44 ], and its role as a host for A. phagocytophilum is well documented [ 45 , 46 ]. In Poland, A. phagocytophilum has been detected in foxes with prevalence ranging from 2.7% in the central part of the country [ 11 ] to 34.5% in the northeastern regions [ 31 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Circulation of Anaplasma phagocytophilum among invasive and native carnivore species living in sympatry in Poland

Lesiczka,

Myśliwy,

Buńkowska-Gawlik

et al. 2023

Parasites Vectors

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Background Anaplasma phagocytophilum is characterized by a worldwide distribution and distinguished from other Anaplasmataceae by the broadest range of mammalian hosts and high genetic diversity. The role carnivores play in the life cycle of A. phagocytophilum in Europe is uncertain. Currently, only the red fox is considered a suitable reservoir host. In this study, we focused on native and invasive medium-sized carnivore species that live in sympatry and represent the most abundant species of wild carnivores in Poland. Methods A total of 275 individual spleen samples from six carnivore species (Vulpes vulpes, Meles meles, Procyon lotor, Nyctereutes procyonoides and Martes spp.) were screened combining nested PCR and sequencing for A. phagocytophilum targeting a partial groEL gene with subsequent phylogenetic analysis inferred by the maximum likelihood method. Results The DNA of A. phagocytophilum was detected in 16 of 275 individuals (5.8%). Eight unique genetic variants of A. phagocytophilum were obtained. All detected haplotypes clustered in the clade representing European ecotype I. Three variants belonged to the subclade with European human cases together with strains from dogs, foxes, cats, and wild boars. Conclusions While carnivores might have a restricted role in the dissemination of A. phagocytophilum due to their relatively low to moderate infection rates, they hold significance as hosts for ticks. Consequently, they could contribute to the transmission of tick-borne infections to humans indirectly, primarily through tick infection. This underscores the potential risk of urbanization for the A. phagocytophilum life cycle, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive understanding of its ecological dynamics. Graphical Abstract

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Estimating red fox density using non-invasive genetic sampling and spatial capture–recapture modelling

Cited by 10 publications

References 70 publications

Nutritional ecology of a prototypical generalist predator, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Nutritional ecology of a prototypical generalist predator, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Comparing minimum number of individuals and abundance from non-invasive DNA sampling and camera trapping in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Circulation of Anaplasma phagocytophilum among invasive and native carnivore species living in sympatry in Poland

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