The effect of diet, behavior and habitat of red foxes (vulpes vulpes) on the native ecosystem at

THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

VU KIEN NAM

THE EFFECT OF DIET, BEHAVIOUR AND HABITAT OF RED FOXES

(VULPES VULPES) ON NATIVE ECOSYSTEM AT KING PARK,

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

BACHELOR THESIS

Study Mode : Full- time

Major : Environmental Science and Management

Faculty : International Programs Office

Batch : 2015 – 2019

Thai Nguyen, September 2019

i

DOCUMENTATION PAGE WITH ABSTRACT

Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry

Degree Program Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management

Student name Vu Kien Nam

Student ID DTN155490020

Thesis Title

The effect of diet, behavior and habitat of red foxes (Vulpes Vulpes)

on the native ecosystemat King Park, Perth, Western Australia

Supervisor (s)

Dr. David Blake

Dr. Bui Quang Binh

Supervisor’s

signature

Abstract:

Kings Perth is one of the largest city parks in the world, covering an area of

400 hectares, located right next to the city center of Perth, Western Australia,

Australia. The park is famous for its natural jungle, which stores the genetic

resources of wild animals and plants in the world. Red foxes are a wild creature

easily trapped in this park. With large numbers and the ability to grow and develop

rapidly, red foxes become a threat to indigenous animals and plants such as birds

nesting on the ground, small to medium sized animals’ vase and especially green

turtles. Foxes survive in a variety of habitats, including urban, alpine, and arid

regions. Outside urban areas, it seems to be the most abundant in the heavily

wooded areas often found in agricultural landscapes that provide plenty of shelter

and food. Foxes eat almost everything, scavenge and hunt for whatever is

ii

available. Its main food source is small animals, but it also eats insects and fruits.

Fatal reasons for foxes comprise shooting, catching, and hunting. Diseases, for

example, manage and distemper are the main reason for death in fox populaces.

Hence, it can be seen that the development, increase and conduct of foxes will

impact significantly on local species, especially in King Perth Nature Park.

Keywords Vulpes vulpes, Fox, Effect, Ecosystem

Number of pages 64

Date of submission 23/09/2019

iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

To finish the educational program of Thai Nguyen University of

Agriculture and Forestry, graduation preparing is crucial for each student. The

graduation practice is a chance for students to affirm their ability, simultaneously

contact with practices and help students have logic research measure before

graduation.

From that reality, with the advocate of the Executive Board of the

Advanced Program in Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Edith

Cowan University, as well as the School Board, I implemented a study about the

topic: "The impact of diet, behaviour and natural surroundings of red fox (Vulpes

Vulpes) on native ecosystem at King Park, Perth, Western Australia”. Having

accomplished the results of this theme, I would like to send my sincere and

gratitude to you that you have been committed to conferring knowledge all

through the learning process. Especially the instructor Dr David Blake, Dr Rob

David, Dr Harriet Mills and Dr Bui Quang Binh have devotedly guided and

supported me to implement this graduation thesis.

Due to the limited level of experience and practical work, the lack of

information and materials, this graduation thesis does not eliminate initiating

disadvantages in both content and structure. Therefore, I hope to receive the

contribution and feedback of teachers to accomplish the thesis.

Your sincerely!

iv

TABLE OF CONTENT

DOCUMENTATION PAGE WITH ABSTRACT .................................................i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.....................................................................................iii

TABLE OF CONTENT ........................................................................................iv

LIST OF FIGURES................................................................................................1

LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................2

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................3

PART I. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................9

1.1. Overall about the study....................................................................................9

1.2. Objectives of the study ..................................................................................11

1.3. Research question..........................................................................................11

PART II. LITERATURE REVIEW.................................................................12

2.1. Red fox (Vulpes Vulpes)...............................................................................12

2.2. Components influencing fox control.............................................................13

2.2.1. Influence of other species...........................................................................14

2.2.2. Effects of wild rabbits, rays and wild cats..................................................15

2.2.3. Benefits from foxes ....................................................................................16

2.2.4. Cultural values............................................................................................17

2.3. Methods to curb the rapid development of foxes..........................................18

2.3.1. Traps...........................................................................................................20

2.3.2. Biological control .......................................................................................22

2.3.3. Barriers .......................................................................................................24

2.3.4. Management of living environment ...........................................................27

2.4. The distribution of the Red Fox in the King park area and the impact of the

fox on the native creatures....................................................................................27

PART III. METHODS .......................................................................................29

3.1. Position selected ............................................................................................29

3.2. Study the fox's diet ........................................................................................29

3.2.1. Collect and identify fox SCAT...................................................................29

3.2.2. Prepare and analyse content .......................................................................30

3.2.3. Statistical analysis ......................................................................................31

v

3.3. Study the population density of the fox.........................................................32

3.3.1. Camera settings ..........................................................................................32

3.3.2. Calculating fox population density.............................................................33

3.3.3. Calculation model and report detection......................................................33

3.4. Habitat analysis .............................................................................................34

PART IV. RESULTS..........................................................................................35

4.1. Diet of foxes ..................................................................................................35

4.2. Camera trap results........................................................................................37

4.3. Composition and density of species..............................................................38

4.4. Seasonal effects and habitats for foxes..........................................................38

PART V. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION...............................................42

5.1. Discussion......................................................................................................42

5.2. Conclusion.....................................................................................................48

REFERENCES ...................................................................................................49