Distribution, habitat utilization and age structure of a suburban fox (Vulpes vulpes) population

Abstract

The occurrence of wild foxes in suburbia is discussed. It is shown that in London breeding populations of foxes are found 5 km from the city centre, and in the last 3 years foxes have been recorded in the very centre of the city.The fox population in London is shown to be heavily dependent on residential habitats for both daytime harbourage and when selecting sites for natal earths. The fox population is unevenly distributed in London, with a marked clumping of the adult population during most of the year.The age structure of the population is presented, and these data are compared with data for other canid populations. Conclusions are drawn as to the effects of conventional control techniques on the age structure of a fox population.