Relationships between red fox control and mesocarnivores communities in Mediterranean habitats of central Iberia

Abstract

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) control with the aim of improving small game populations is a widespread management tool in game estates of Europe. However, its effects on fox reduction and other sympatric mesocarnivore species are still unknown. In order to evaluate the effects of red fox control on red fox and sympatric mesocarnivores presence in central Iberian Peninsula, we surveyed 11 areas (900-5000 ha) with different red fox extraction rates (0-4 foxes/km2) with the use of camera-traps. We used occupancy models with habitat, prey abundance and fox extraction rates as explanatory variables. Habitat and rabbit abundance were generally the most important factors in models. Fox extraction rate was related to a reduction of red fox and to an increase of stone marten (Martes foina) and Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) occupancy probabilities. We suggest that fox extractions may indirectly beneficiate other mesocarnivores and therefore modify the structure of Iberian carnivore communities.