COMPARISON OF BODY CONDITION INDEXES IN THE RED FOX (FISSIPEDIA, CANIDAE)

Six indices of body and physiological condition were determined for 33 0 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) collected in Central Italy from January to May 1992: (1) subcutaneous fat; (2) perivisceral fat; (3) perirenal f at; (4) residual of the regression of body mass on body length; (5) sp leen mass; (6) adrenal mass. During this season, females had more fat than males, whereas yearlings (9-13 months old) had the same fat as th e adults. All the nutritional indices (1 through 4) were highly relate d, suggesting that they could be used at least for relative comparison s. Correcting for gut content mass marginally strengthened the relatio nship, and reproductive status of females bad no effect on it. The two stress indices (5 and 6) were little significance, at least during la te winter and spring. The index based on body mass residuals may allow an approximate estimation of fat level of live foxes. It is also appl icable retrospectively to museum collections and historical data, wher e body mass and body length were known, but no measure of fatness was taken.