Summer home range and habitat utilisation of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in a tundra habitat, northwest British Columbia

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Abstract
Eight adult red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were radio tracked during the summers of 1978 and 1979 in an alpine and subalpine environment of northwest British Columbia. The spatial distributions of small mammals (mice, voles, and shrews) and arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii) were ascertained to complement the telemetric study. Summer home ranges averaged 1611 ha (range = 277–3420 ha) and were larger than vulpine ranges in temperate environments. Significant habitat selection was evident in five of the seven home ranges that were examined. Salix shrub communities were preferred habitats, whereas, open lichen – Empetrum and fen communities were avoided. Relative densities of small mammals and arctic ground squirrels varied significantly among plant communities. Possible explanations, considering the diet of the fox and the spatial distribution of its prey, are offered to account for the observed patterns of home-range size and habitat utilisation.
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