Changes in kit fox-coyote-prey relationships in the Great Basin Desert, Utah

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Arjo, Wendy M.; Gese, Eric M.; Bennett, Tim J.; Kozlowski, Adam J.

Source:

Western North American Naturalist, Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum, Brigham Young University, Volume 67, Issue 3, p.389-401 (2007)

Call Number:

A07ARJ01IDUS

URL:

https://ojs.lib.byu.edu/spc/index.php/wnan/article/view/27624

Keywords:

Canis latrans, Coyote, demographics, exotic annuals, jackrabbit, Kit Fox, leporids, small mammals, SWAP, Vulpes macrotis

Abstract:

Variation in kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) population parameters can be influenced by vegetative cover and the distribution and abundance of other predator and prey species. Dramatic changes to Great Basin Desert habitats, which can potentially impact mammalian species, have occurred in some areas in Utah. The authors examined kit fox demographics and prey populations from 1999 to 2001 on Dugway Proving Ground (DPG), a U.S. Army facility in Utah, and compared some parameters to historical levels (1956–1958, 1966–1969). Adult survival rates were fairly consistent between 1999 and 2000 and between 1999 and 2001; however, survival was greater in 2001 than in 2000. Reproductive rates ranged from 1.0 to 3.8 pups per female in 1999–2000 and were similar to historical numbers (1.0–4.2 pups per female). The authors found a decrease in pre-whelping kit fox density from the 1960s (0.12 foxes ⋅ km–2) to 1999–2001 (0.04 foxes ⋅ km–2); however, densities were similar between the current study and the 1950s (0.08 foxes ⋅ km–2). Using 9 years of data, the authors found density dependence between reproductive rates of the current year and annual fox density from the previous year. Using 7 years of data, they found a slight correlation between kit fox annual density and a 1-year lag in leporid abundance, even though leporid abundance was lower during the present study than it was historically. Compared to historical levels, current small mammal abundance and species composition have changed in several habitats. Kit fox breeding density and annual density were inversely correlated with coyote (Canis latrans) density. Changes to the landscape at DPG, especially due to invasion of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and addition of artificial water sources, have caused a change in available kit fox habitat and prey species, and have increased the abundance of coyotes, the kit fox’s major competitor.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation:
Arjo WM, Gese EM, Bennett TJ, Kozlowski AJ. 2007. Changes in kit fox-coyote-prey relationships in the Great Basin Desert, Utah. [accessed 2015 Jun 1]; Western North American Naturalist. 67(3):389–401. https://ojs.lib.byu.edu/spc/index.php/wnan/article/view/27624