Food composition and feeding ecology of the Red Fox Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) in Egypt

Abstract

Food composition of the Red Fox Vulpes vulpes populations in different habitats in Egypt is investigated based on the analysis of stomach contents. The analysis of 70 stomach contents demonstrates that the food of Red Fox is highly diverse and includes rodents, birds, reptiles,
fishes, insects and other arthropods, fruits and other vegetable material. Certain individuals seem to also feed on carrion. Diet composition shows seasonal and geographical variations that are apparently associated with changes in the availability of different food items. The results clearly
show that the Red Fox is an opportunistic omnivore, capable of adapting to a great variety of dietary compositions.