The swift fox in rangeland and cropland in western Kansas: Relative abundance, mortality, and body size

R.S. Matlack; P. S. Gipson; D.W. Kaufman

doi:10.2307/3672464

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The swift fox in rangeland and cropland in western Kansas: Relative abundance, mortality, and body size

R.S. Matlack·P. S. Gipson·D.W. Kaufman

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Abstract

We assessed suitability of cropland and shortgrass rangeland for swift foxes ( Vulpes velox ) in western Kansas. Relative abundance and survival were similar for foxes in rangeland and cropland. Mortality resulting from non-traumatic causes, coyotes, and motor vehicles differed significantly between habitats. Predation by coyotes, motor vehicles, and non-traumatic causes were responsible for 45%, 36%, and 18%, respectively, of 11 deaths in rangeland and 20%, 10%, and 70%, respectively, of 10 deaths in cropland. Swift foxes in rangeland were larger and in better condition than those in cropland. Males were larger than females based on mass, standardized mass (mass/body length), body length, hindfoot length, and ear length.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 38.6953° to 39.5689° latitude; -102.0475° to -100.7201° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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R.S. Matlack, P. S. Gipson, D.W. Kaufman. 2000. The swift fox in rangeland and cropland in western Kansas: Relative abundance, mortality, and body size. https://doi.org/10.2307/3672464

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