%0 Journal Article %A WEI Wanhong %A ZHOU Wenyang %T ACTIVITY RHYTHMS AND DISTRIBUTION OF NATAL DENS FOR RED FOXES %D 2006 %R %J ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA %P 267-272 %V 15 %N 4 %X The red fox,Vulpes vulpes,was investigated with snow tracking,radiotracking and directive observation at the Haibei Research Station of Alpine Meadow Ecosystem ,Academia Sinica.from March to September 1994.The objectives of this study were to determine the distribution and use of natal dens,activity rhythms,and home range sizes for the foxes.
1. The fox did not dig the dens by itself, all natal dens were using the tunnel systems of the Himalayan Marmots.At the early period of breeding season.it searched and selected the dens with the multi—entrance(average 4.8 entrances/den),the distribution in the alpine shrub (71 %),the distance far away from disturbance factors (average more than 1.5 km.)and the middle part of slope(71% );its reason was safety.The average utilized period of dens was 3.3 year.
2.The activity peak of the fox was at night mainly for foraging food and diurnal activity was that of adult playing with the youngs near the dens,its peak was 1800一0800hr.
3.During the breeding season,both of adult male and female took care of the
youngs and had the same activity area. The average home range size of adult fox was 7.9 Km2 and of the young was 2.29 km2 .The home range between adjacent individuals was overlapping. %U http://www.mammal.cn/EN/abstract/article_1499.shtml