Beytepe’de (Ankara) Kızıl Tilkilerin (Vulpes Vulpes L. 1758) Beslenme Özellikleri İle Mevsimsel Ve Günlük Aktivitelerinin Belirlenmesi
Özet
In this study, seasonal and daily activity patterns of the red foxes living in Beytepe
Campus (Ankara), is a semi-urban region, were investigated at different habitat
types.
In order to determine the activity patterns, camera traps were used in two habitats
consisting of coniferous forest and transitional woodland-scrub. The feeding
characteristic of the red fox was determined by examining the scats collected from
both habitats.
Beside the red fox, mammal species such as European hare (Lepus europaeus),
hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor), stone marten (Martes foina), domestic dog (Canis
lupus familiaris) and domestic cat (Felis domesticus) were also recorded. According
to the results, it is revealed that the red fox, European hare, hedgehog and stone
marten were nocturnal and the domestic dog was diurnal. The maximum activity of
the red fox was recorded in between 18:00 and 20:00; whereas the minimum activity
was recorded in between 10:00 and 12:00.
There was no statistically significant difference between daily activity pattern of the
red fox among the camera trap stations, however, there was a significant difference
between daytime periods. As considered seasonally, red foxes were found to be much more active in the autumn and winter periods than they do in other time of the
year.
According to the results of macroscopic scat analysis, it was determined that fruits,
small mammals, birds and insects are the basic food items in the red fox diet in
Beytepe Campus. Whereas, according to in the scat content examination, the red
fox fed mainly on vegetative food items in the autumn period. It has been shown
that the food composition of the red fox in autumn did not change significantly with
the habitat type and the effect of human density.
As a result, the maintenance and balance of the wildlife in the Beytepe Campus,
which has semi-urban characteristics, depends on the survival of the wild species.
It is thought that the outcomes of this study will contribute to landscape
arrangements and management plans for the continuity of wildlife in Beytepe , and
especially for the survival of the red foxes.