Down a hole: missing GPS positions reveal birth dates of an underground denning species, the red fox

• DOI: 10.1007/s42991-020-00089-9
• Publication Date: 2021-01-06T03:03:56Z
• Authors: Zea Walton; Jenny Mattisson
• Keywords: Animal ecology

Abstract Global positioning system (GPS) technology is increasingly used to study animal behavior. However, some animals exhibit behaviors that may result in the failure acquire a GPS position, such as for species with underground denning This creates challenge researchers identify timing of important life-history events birth. Here, we tested if information gaps arising from unsuccessful positions, connection intrinsic and extrinsic factors, can parturition an species, red fox. Using data 30 collared female foxes during approximate period 1 March–31 May, calculated proportion successful positions per day. We then compared patterns females known reproductive status those not have reproduced subset which was unknown. Females confirmed pups ( n = 11) two unknown showed significant difference without pups, illustrating activity could be identified data. None 12 subadult were denning. Parturition date, day lowest fix rate within five-day ranged 20 March–14 mean date April. We, therefore, conclude biological information, dates, missing species.