Red fox Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) management under a gobal change scenario

Abstract

Cortés-Fossati, F., Martín-Rodríguez, I. 2020. Red fox Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) management under a global change scenario. Ecosistemas 29(2):1067. https://doi.org/10.7818/ECOS.1967

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.