Prédation of foxes on a hare population in central Poland

Abstract

The relationship between foxes Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) and hares Lepus europaeus (Pallas, 1778) was investigated in central Poland. The consumption of hares by foxes was the highest (up to 50% of biomass eaten) during the spring seasons. The negative correlation between small mammal and hare consumption by foxes was recorded throughout the study. Lack of small mammals in spring as well as low temperatures and deep snow cover in winter intensified the fox hunting on hares. The reduction of hares by foxes was about 16% during spring to autumn and 8% in winter. Predators were responsible for 50% of the total mortality of adult hares. By snowtracking of foxes it was established that the mean distance between successful hunts on hares was 263 km of fox trail. Foxes captured on average one hare every 19 days. About 7% hare hunts by foxes were successful.