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The effects of induced sterility on the territorial behaviour and survival of foxes

  1. Glen Saunders1,*,
  2. John McIlroy2,
  3. Mani Berghout1,2,
  4. Barry Kay1,
  5. Eddie Gifford2,
  6. Rob Perry2,
  7. Remy Van De Ven1

Article first published online: 26 JUN 2002

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2664.2002.00696.x

Issue

Journal of Applied Ecology

Journal of Applied Ecology

Volume 39, Issue 1, pages 56–66, February 2002

Additional Information

How to Cite

Saunders, G., McIlroy, J., Berghout, M., Kay, B., Gifford, E., Perry, R. and Van De Ven, R. (2002), The effects of induced sterility on the territorial behaviour and survival of foxes. Journal of Applied Ecology, 39: 56–66. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2664.2002.00696.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Agriculture, Forest Road, Orange NSW 2800, Australia; and

  2. 2

    Pest Animal Control CRC, CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, GPO Box 284, Canberra, ACT 2602, Australia

* Glen Saunders, Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Agriculture, Forest Road, Orange NSW 2800, Australia (fax 263913972; e-mail glen.saunders@agric.nsw.gov.au).

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 26 JUN 2002
  2. Article first published online: 26 JUN 2002
  3. Received 20 December 2000; final copy received 29 October 2001

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Keywords:

  • dispersal;
  • immunocontraception;
  • movement;
  • pest management;
  • ranges;
  • Vulpes vulpes

Summary

  • 1
    This paper reports on the behavioural effects of surgical sterilization when used to simulate immunocontraception in free-ranging female foxes Vulpes vulpes.
  • 2
    During 3 years of trapping, 348 male and female foxes were fitted with transmitters in two treatment (females sterilized) and two untreated areas.
  • 3
    Radio-tracking indicated that sterile and fertile vixens maintained similar-sized territories during the breeding season, but that sterile females were possibly more likely to share their territories with each other.
  • 4
    There were no consistent differences in survival or dispersal between sterile and fertile females.
  • 5
    Outcomes from the study suggest that immunocontraception in free-living foxes is feasible.
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