Aspects of the Social Structure of Red Fox Populations: A Summary

Abstract

There were at least two reasons in the Netherlands to start a research program on the ecology and behaviour of the red fox, in 1968. In the first place there was the intention of controlling the fox as the main vector of rabies and of creating a fox-free zone along the border with the Federal Republic of Germany. During the subsequent discussions it became evident that our knowledge about the ecology and social behaviour of the red fox was too scanty to give a good insight in the management of fox populations in relation to the control of rabies. Secondly, we were very anxious about the still unprotected state of the fox and other small predators in contrast to the Birds of Prey.