Can the increase of Fox density explain the decrease in Lynx numbers at Doňana ?

Visión General

Some preliminary data are presented on the abundance, food habits and habitat use of Lynx and Fox in Doňana. The methods used were : scent-stations lines and faecal sample censues (Fox), radio tracking (Lynx) and faecal counts and analysis of droppings (both species). Foxes outnumber Lynx at Doñana, but the latter use the edge of the marshes (the most productive habitat in the area), more than foxes do. Food data reveal little dietary overlap : Lynx are food specialists (preying mainly on rabbits), whereas foxes are generalists. Common use of rabbits as prey during the Fox breeding season could indicate exploitative competition. Further data are however needed for a better understanding of this interaction. The increase in Fox numbers probably followed the decline of the Lynx population.

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