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Seasonal changes in feeding preference of Indian fox (Vulpes bengalensis) in western Rajasthan, India

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Zoology, J.N.V.U. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
  • 2Department of Zoology, J.N.V.U. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
  • 3Department of Zoology, J.N.V.U. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Int. Res. J. Biological Sci., Volume 8, Issue (11), Pages 15-19, November,10 (2019)

Abstract

Vulpes bengalensis is distributed throughout the Indian subcontinent. It is opportunistic omnivorous and feeds upon a variety of food items. The sustenance structure of the Indian fox population was studied in different habitats of Balotra region. Food preferences of this fox were investigated from January 2015 to December 2018 in Balotra region. Prey items eaten by Indian fox were identified using scat analysis method. This method revealed undigested vestiges of some species of vertebrates, invertebrates with arthropods and fruits as general food item. In summer, it prefers babool (Prosopis juliflora and Acacia tortilis), khejri (Prosopis cineraria), and fruits while the hairs and bones of animals were found in a higher percentage. In monsoon, it obtained maximum food from ber and small mammals. In animals, the arthropods frequency (91.89%) was very high among food items. In winter, it depended upon ber, mammals and aves.

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