The ecology and management of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in woodland-agricultural environments in New South Wales

Abstract

The European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a predator of native species and livestock in Australia. Coordinated approaches to fox management are most effective and were explored in this thesis by studying fox behaviour and responses to baiting and by monitoring baiting programs. Fieldwork was carried out in the Goonoo, an area of public and private forest that supports populations of the endangered malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata), a ground-dwelling bird susceptible to fox predation. Fox management here uses a collaborative community approach to protect malleefowl and livestock in surrounding agricultural areas. Movements of foxes were investigated using VHF- and GPS-tracking devices. Foxes occupied large areas, with mean range sizes (100% minimum convex polygons) for VHF- and GPS-tracked foxes (post dispersal), respectively, 836 ha ± 596 (SD) (n = 9) and 6096 ha ± 2766 (SD) (n = 3). Fox activity, indexed by bait uptake, showed no consistent decline after poison baiting. Fox baiting effort was assessed across the landscape by mapping bait stations set on public and private land to identify gaps in baited areas, a potential source of recolonising foxes.. Remote camera traps were used to examine pest and prey responses to baiting operations across the landscape. No significant changes in activity were observed for any species between pre- and post-baiting, but a trend for reduction in fox activity was observed. Baiting operations were successful in that up to 75% of collared foxes succumbed to poisoning, while fox activity was reduced following some baiting operations. This mixed success may suggest that the current approach is close to being sufficient to reduce fox activity and increase the protection of livestock and native species, but also that improvements are needed to sustain any long-term benefits. The large areas occupied by individual foxes in the forested environment strengthen the need for fox management efforts to be on-going and coordinated across the landscape.