21 Ara 2024 Cumartesi
Denning ecology of Indian fox in a disturbed habitat of semi-arid landscape of Gujarat
Abstract : The Indian fox (Vulpes bengalensis) generally inhabits dry scrub areas and short grasslands. It is wildly distributed in the Indian subcontinent, but little attention is given to it by researchers and policymakers. Dens are a focal point in the ecology of the Indian fox, which is prepared during the breeding periods according to habitat condition and terrain. We conducted a study in the northern part of Gujarat state to understand the denning ecology of the Indian fox. We have carried out a detailed survey in a small patch of disturbed scrubland. We located 15 dens among them four were found active. In this study we examined the denning preferences and den characteristics of the Indian fox. The largest den has dimension of 22.5 x 23 x 24cm and the smallest den has dimension of 15 x 10 x 12.5cm. The average distance of den from water sources (150-200m) and agriculture land (250-300m). Indian fox preferred the den site near to water sources (p= 0.022) compared to agriculture land (p= 0.577). The present research concludes the denning behaviour of the Indian fox in semi-arid region.