Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Details | |
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Type | Mammal |
Group | |
Biology | Mainly nocturnal. During the day sleeps in dens, logs or other forms of shelter. Can breed from 1 year of age. Litters, averaging 4 cubs, are born during August and September, and emerge from the den in late spring. The cubs leave the family territory in late summer or autumn. |
Distinctive Markings | Red-brown fur, white chin and neck, black feet, thick tail. |
Introduced to Australia in the 1860s. Now common and widespread over mainland Australia except the northernmost parts. Responsible for local extinctions of many small-medium sized mammals.
Interesting Facts | |
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Diet | Carnivore and scavenger. Hunts rabbits and native animals, and also feeds on insects and fruits when other food is scarce. Preys on newborn lambs, kid goats and poultry. |
Habitat | Most areas, including urban and agricultural areas. |
Native Status | Introduced |