Limitations of current knowledge about the ecology of Grey Foxes hamper conservation efforts

• DOI: 10.11609/jott.7102.13.8.19079-19092
• Publication Date: 2021-07-26T12:30:21Z
• Authors: Maximilian L. Allen; Alexandra C. Avrin; Morgan J. Farmer; Laura S. Whipple; Emmarie P. Alexander; Alyson M. Cervantes; Javan M. Bauder
• Keywords: Carnivore; Occupancy; Population ecology; Mammal

Species-specific conservation is important for maintaining the integrity of ecological communities but dependent on sufficiently understanding multiple aspects a species’ ecology. data are commonly lacking species in geographic areas with little research and perceived to have insufficient charisma or economic importance. Despite their widespread distribution across central North America status as furbearing mammal, known about ecology Grey Foxes Urocyon cinereoargenteus compared other mammals. To understand what this species, especially factors affecting population dynamics, we performed systematic review scientific literature. We found 234 studies Foxes, increasing substantially over time gaps Great Plains most Mexico America. Most reviewed examined relative abundance occupancy (n= 35), habitat associations 30), primarily part larger mammalian community studies, spatiotemporal effects carnivores 19), predominately Coyote Canis latrans. were forest-associated although specific forest anthropogenically disturbed habitats varied among studies. Multiple ecoregions reported fox both most- least-abundant carnivore. The inter-specific often, not exclusively, negative likely mediated by landscape composition human development. Importantly, very few population-effects coyotes Foxes. Studies trends, demographics, space use comparatively rare small inter- intra-study sample sizes limited our ability infer broader patterns. suggest avenues future better throughout range.