Exclusion by interference competition? The relationship between red and arctic foxes
Magnus Tannerfeldt1, Bodil Elmhagen2, Anders Angerbjörn2
1Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden. tanner@zoologi.su.se.
Oecologia
|May 27, 2017
Summary
Interspecific competition with red foxes limits arctic fox breeding territories. Arctic foxes avoid red foxes, especially during breeding, leading to higher-altitude denning and potential population decline.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Wildlife Biology
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Predator distribution can be limited by larger, dominant species.
- The endangered arctic fox's southern range limit may be influenced by competition with the expanding red fox.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if interspecific competition with red foxes affects arctic fox denning site selection and breeding success.
- To determine if arctic foxes avoid red foxes at a smaller spatial scale, particularly during the breeding season.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of arctic and red fox den use over 9 years in Sweden.
- Observation of den site segregation and reproductive outcomes.
- Field experiment involving red fox removal.
Main Results:
- Arctic foxes preferentially used high-quality dens without nearby red fox breeders.
- Red foxes killed arctic fox juveniles in sympatric denning instances.
- Arctic foxes denned at higher altitudes than red foxes.
Conclusions:
- Interspecific interference competition with red foxes excludes arctic foxes from lower-altitude habitats.
- Behavioral avoidance at the territory scale can significantly impact arctic fox populations, especially when resources are scarce.
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