Red fox

Red fox

What is a red fox?

The red fox is a highly adaptable mammal that was introduced into Australia from England for recreational hunting. Commonly found across various environments including forests, grasslands and urban areas, the red fox is a skilled hunter and scavenger, often preying upon many Australian native animals.

Red foxes are recognised by their reddish-brown fur, white underbelly and bushy tail tipped with white. They can weigh between five and 10 kilograms and measure 45 to 90 centimetres in length, excluding the tail. 

The scientific name for the red fox is Vulpes vulpes. Vulpes means ‘fox’ in Latin. 

Where do red foxes live?

Red foxes are found throughout most parts of Australia in every state and territory. They were introduced from England in the 19th century for recreational hunting. Now an invasive pest species, red foxes cause significant damage to native animal populations. 

Red foxes thrive in a variety of habitats including forests, woodlands, grasslands and urban areas. Their ability to adapt to different environments has allowed them to spread across the continent from coastal regions to inland areas. 

Foxes are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. They can seek shelter in a variety of locations to sleep and raise their young. Foxes often dig dens in the ground, which can be located in secluded areas such as underbrush, rocky outcrops or even in abandoned burrows of other animals. These dens provide a safe environment for resting and protecting their cubs.

In urban areas, red foxes may also use human-made structures such as gardens, parks and even basements or sheds as resting sites. Their adaptability allows them to find suitable sleeping locations that offer both cover from predators and proximity to food sources, enabling them to thrive in diverse environments.

What do red foxes eat?

Red foxes are omnivorous, which means they eat both animal and plant matter. Their main food sources include small mammals, however they also hunt birds, insects and reptiles when available. In addition to animal matter, red foxes eat fruits, berries and vegetables where available. 

The opportunistic feeding habits of foxes enables them to scavenge for food, taking advantage of carrion – dead animal matter – and human food waste. This further enhances their ability to survive in both natural and urban settings. 

Foxes can eat about 375 grams of food each night which is the equivalent of over 100 bandicoots or ring-tailed possums a year.

What role do common red foxes play in their ecosystem?

The introduction of the red fox into Australia has had significant negative impacts on native wildlife as they compete with and prey upon vulnerable species, including ground-nesting birds and small marsupials. 

As there are no natural predators in Australia, fox populations were able to grow rapidly. The increase in fox population numbers, and their predatory and opportunistic hunting behaviours, have contributed to the decline of several native species which results in altered local ecosystems. 

Red foxes also compete with native predators for food resources, further stressing the ecosystem. This disruption can lead to a flow-on effect on biodiversity, impacting the overall health and balance of Australian ecosystems.

How are red foxes adapted to their environment?

Foxes rely on their keen senses in order to detect prey and navigate effectively, particularly at night. They have large ears that allow for enhanced hearing. Foxes have a strong sense of smell that helps to identify and track prey. They also have excellent vision with large forward-facing eyes for jusding distance and also the ability to see well in low-light conditions.

The slender body and long legs of foxes provide agility and speed, assisting hunting and escaping from predators. As most of their diet consists of animal matter, foxes have sharp teeth and claws. Their fur offers insulation in colder climates and camouflage in various habitats including woodlands and urban areas. 

Foxes also exhibit flexible feeding habits. Being omnivorous allows them to exploit a wide range of food sources including small mammals, birds, fruits and discarded human food waste. Additionally, the ability of foxes to dig dens provides them with safe resting places and shelter for raising young. 

What sounds do red foxes make?

Foxes use various vocalisations for different purposes. They can be quite loud and often occur at night when foxes are most active. These can include:

• barks – short, sharp sounds for communication and marking territory, especially during mating season

• screams – a loud wailing sound commonly heard in winter during mating by the female

• gekkering – a chattering sound used when fighting or playing

• whines and whimpers – softer sounds often used for communication between mothers and cubs

• howls and yelps – longer calls that serve as distress signals or territorial announcements.

What is the life cycle of the red fox?

Red foxes can live for about three to four years in the wild. Foxes are ready to breed at around 10 to 12 months old. From June to August courtship will take place between the male and females through vocalisations and scent markings. 

The female fox has a gestation period of about 52 days. During this time she prepares a den where she'll give birth. There can be a litter of four to six cubs which are born from late August to early October. 

Fox cubs are born blind and rely entirely on their mother for warmth, food and protection. By 12 weeks old the cubs start to venture from the den and learn hunting and foraging but may stay with their parents for several more months.

What management strategies help us control red foxes in Australia?

Managing red fox populations in Australia is important due to their status as an invasive species and their impact on native wildlife. There are various management strategies that can be used to control their numbers and mitigate their effects on ecosystems. These strategies are often implemented in a coordinated manner across different regions, involving collaboration between government agencies, conservation groups and local communities.

Baiting programs – one of the most common methods is the use of poison baiting, specifically with baits containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) which is effective in reducing fox populations. Baiting programs are carefully managed to minimise risks to non-target species and are often conducted during specific seasons to align with fox breeding patterns and with distance restrictions in place in urban areas.

Trapping – live trapping can be used to capture foxes in specific areas, especially where baiting is not suitable. Captured foxes can be euthanised or relocated, depending on local regulations and policies.

Shooting – used as a targeted control method by licensed hunters in areas where other strategies may not be feasible.

Den fumigation – for active dens where there is a localised fox problem, dens can be sealed with carbon monoxide as a humane way to euthanise cubs. 

Fencing – constructing fences around sensitive areas, such as wildlife reserves or breeding sites for endangered species, can help protect native wildlife from fox predation by preventing foxes from accessing critical habitats.

Public awareness and education – raising awareness among the public about the impacts of foxes on native wildlife and promoting responsible pet ownership can help reduce food sources and habitat encroachment. Community involvement in reporting sightings and participating in control programs is also encouraged.

Monitoring and research – continuous monitoring of fox populations and their impact on ecosystems is vital. Research into their behaviour, ecology and interactions with native species can inform more effective management strategies.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – combining various control methods such as baiting, trapping, shooting and habitat modification into an integrated approach can enhance the effectiveness of fox management efforts. This strategy ensures that management is adaptable and considers the ecological context.

Habitat restoration – improving the health and resilience of native ecosystems can help support vulnerable species, reducing their susceptibility to fox predation. This includes restoring native vegetation and improving habitat connectivity.

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