Evaluation of attractants and bait preferences of captive red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

Abstract

The development of bait types, additives such as synthetic flavours, and attractants for use in fox control and rabies vaccination programmes is briefly reviewed. A captive colony was used to establish bait preferences for foxes. A variety of bait types and additives were screened for this purpose. The potential of chemical attractants to enhance the discovery of baits by foxes was also examined. Gustatory additives, such as beef flavour and sugar, enhanced bait acceptance, and olfactory attractants such as synthetic fermented egg showed promise. Trials using captive animals allow for observations impossible under field conditions. However, field trials are also needed to determine whether behavioural responses of free-ranging animals are similar to those observed in captive individuals.

Effect of a synthetic lure on site visitation and bait uptake by foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wild dogs (Canis lupus dingo, Canis lupus familiaris)

“…The results from our study support the previous findings of Saunders and Harris (2000) that synthetic fermented egg (SFE) was highly attractive to foxes. Results from this trial have further shown the effectiveness of SFE as a canid lure under field conditions.…”

“…Canid lure research undertaken in the United States (Bullard et al 1978, the UK (Saunders and Harris 2000) and Australia (Jolly and Jolly 1992;Mitchell and Kelly 1992) identified that peak performance of canid lures appears to occur during the breeding season of target animals. This may help to explain the lower interest by foxes during the initial Currango trial, which occurred during an extended period of high temperature before fox breeding season.…”

“…In the United States the effective use of organic and synthetic scents to lure coyotes (Canis latrans) to control points has been well documented (Linhart et al 1977;Bullard et al 1978Bullard et al , 1983Roughton and Bowden 1979;Phillips et al 1990;Kimball et al 2000), with similar work in Australia and the UK identifying the potential use of synthetic scent lures for canids (Jolly and Jolly 1992;Mitchell and Kelly 1992;Saunders and Harris 2000). The three latter studies all identified synthetic fermented egg (SFE) as having potential as a wild dog and/or fox lure.…”

Breeding behaviour and ecology of the sexually size-dimorphic brown songlark, Cinclorhamphus cruralis

“…The red fox appeared to be the most significant predator, though it is unclear to what extent our nest-monitoring activities may have contributed to the level of predation by this introduced species. Foxes are aided by scent when hunting (Saunders and Harris 2000) and our visits to nests may have increased the likelihood of their discovery. Nevertheless, foxes probably represent a serious cause of nest failure that may play a role in limiting songlark populations in some regions of southern Australia.…”

Changes in red fox habitat preference and rest site fidelity following a disease-induced population decline

“…These can deliver poisons (Cluff and Murray 1995, Saunders et al 1995, Thompson et al 2000 or vaccines (Brochier et al 1991, Flamand et al 1992, Fleming 1997, Marks and Bloomfield 1999, Bruyère et al 2000, and in the future may be used to deliver contraceptives (eg Marks et al 1996). The efficacy of such baiting programs is dependent on a variety of factors including the attractiveness (eg Saunders and Harris 2000), durability, and placement of baits both between (eg Saunders et al 1997) and within habitats. However, foxes' preference for certain habitats may be affected by several factors such as food availability and/or population density, and these will not necessarily remain constant through time.…”