The swift fox in rangeland and cropland in western Kansas: Relative abundance, mortality, and body size

We assessed suitability of cropland and shortgrass rangeland for swift foxe s (Vulpes velox) in western Kansas. Relative abundance and survival were si milar for foxes in rangeland and cropland. Mortality resulting from non-tra umatic causes, coyotes, and motor vehicles differed significantly between h abitats. Predation by coyotes, motor vehicles, and non-traumatic causes wer e responsible for 45%, 36%, and 18%, respectively, of 11 deaths in rangelan d and 20%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, of 10 deaths in cropland. Swift foxe s in rangeland were larger and in better condition than those in cropland. Males were larger than females based on mass, standardized mass (mass/body length), body length, hindfoot length, and ear length.