Behaviour and ecology of the Ruppell’s fox, Vulpes ruppelli, in Oman

Abstract

Aspects of the ranging behaviour, spatial organisation and diet of Ruppell''s foxes are described. Radio tracking revealed that six adults were organised as three monogamous pairs; members of each pair often shared a den, whereas the day ranges of each pair did not overlap with that of any other pair. By night, these foxes travelled home ranges which averaged (grid cell method) 30.4 sq km; overlap of polygonal home ranges was greater within than between pairs. These foxes were omnivores, their diet including small mammals, insects, lizards and birds.