Diet of the introduced red fox<i>Vulpes vulpes</i>in Australia: analysis of temporal and spatial patterns

The red fox Vulpes vulpes is one of the world’s most widespread carnivores. A key to its success has been broad, opportunistic diet. was introduced Australia about 150 years ago, and within 30 introduction already recognised as a threat livestock native wildlife. We reviewed 85 diet studies (totalling 31693 samples) from throughout species’ geographic range Australia. Mammals were major component diet, being present in 70 ± 19% samples across n = 160 locations. Invertebrates (38 26% 130) plant material (26 25% 123) also both staple foods often dominant food category recorded. Birds (13 11% 137) reptiles (10 15% 132) commonly reported, while frogs scarcely represented (1.6 3.6% 111) studies. Biogeographical differences reveal factors that likely determine prey availability. Diet composition varied with ecosystem, level vegetation clearing condition, climate zone. Sample type (i.e. stomach versus scat significantly influenced reporting composition. Livestock underrepresented records based on analysis scats, whereas small mammals (native rodents, dasyurid marsupials, bats) more be recorded scats than contents. seasonally, reflecting activity patterns species This synthesis captures temporal shifts over (1951–2020), foxes have switched consuming wake successful broadscale biological control invasive European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus. analyses, such those summarised this review, capture evidence required motivate for greater highlights importance integrated pest management meet biodiversity conservation outcomes.