La gestión del zorro rojo Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) en un contexto de cambio global
- Fernando Cortés-Fossati
- Irene Martín-Rodríguez
ISSN: 1697-2473
Year of publication: 2020
Issue Title: Ecología de transmisión de enfermedades: interacciones entre aves, parásitos sanguíneos y vectores
Volume: 29
Issue: 2
Type: Article
More publications in: Ecosistemas: Revista científica y técnica de ecología y medio ambiente
Abstract
Red fox Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) is a canid species that has traditionally been classified as a vermin, that is, a harmful species to human activities, especially those belonging to the primary sector, and therefore it is currently object of a hunting management, associated with a control of their populations. However, there is no scientific consensus on whether mesopredators limit populations of small game species in such a way that they affect their human exploitation. A review is carried out, especially for the Iberian Peninsula, of the ecology and diet of red fox and possible conflicts that could lead to inappropriate management of population in a context of global change. For the Peninsula, fox is generally insectivorous. Fruits constitute an important part of diet being a great seed disperser. This invaluable ecosystem service is essential in a current scenario in which correct management for the preservation of biodiversity is crucial.