Rs. Matlack et al., The swift fox in rangeland and cropland in western Kansas: Relative abundance, mortality, and body size, SW NATURAL, 45(2), 2000, pp. 221-225
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.