Would wolves and lynx have eaten foxes 1000s of years ago?

[mbaldw]

As has already been alluded to, relationships where one predator affects the numbers of another tend to be through competitive displacement (either active or passive). According to the Bristol Uni biologists, where wolves and foxes persist together, the latter apparently have no role in regulating the former - indeed, foxes apparently benefit from scavenging on wolf kills: Do Wolves Regulate Fox Numbers?.

Cheers,
Marc.

[Swift Fox]

I have read that Coyotes tend to depress fox numbers when the two share territories due to competition for food. I think any large predator would take a fox if the opportunity presented itself, although i think such opportunities would be rare occurancies. I too recommend the Bristol Uni site as it has a wealth of information regarding the red fox as does Marc's own site

[mbaldw]

Thanks Philip! Of course, being a bit of a numpty, there's an error in my post! It should, of course, say: "the former apparently have no role in regulating the later". I'm off to write 'must read my own posts before submitting' in the back of my exercise book ten times!

Cheers,
Marc.

[GilesBradshaw]

It's not just competitive displacement there is research showing that although not a common food item lynx will readily kill foxes.

http://scandlynx.nina.no/LinkClick.a...%3D&tabid=2329

So in reply to Al - lynx would not have eaten that many but they would have killed quite a few.

[GilesBradshaw]

The above research strongly suggests that increasing lynx numbers lead to a decline in fox numbers

[Ukwildlifeo]

It would be interesting to see what would happen if lynxes were re introduced. As has been publicised much over recent years there are way to many deer in the country and lynx seem to favour these (roe especially) over other prey, including sheep (cant find the paper for that at the mo)! I imagine they would go after deer and rabbits more than foxes. In fact I can see foxes following lynx for scraps, much in the same way as polar bears. Pure speculation but a possibility

[tcvarlh]

Having been the subject of Lynx scrutiny from less then 30 foot distance I would like to say that the re-introduction of the Lynx into Britain does not get my vote. She gave me the willies if the truth be known. I thought she was interested initially in my food as I was sitting munching on Salami and Cheese. I realized I was too close to her lair and she considered me a threat. A most unnerving experience. She got the rest of the Salami too.

Wolves? Ah now, I will vote happily for wolves. I like wolves.
h