Is Resource Utilization by Desert Fox (Vulpes vulpes pusilla) in thar Landscape an Indicative of its Opportunistic Feeding Behavior? - A Preliminary Insight

摘要

Opportunistic feeding behavior may absolve species survival entirely upon the resources available within its habitat. Present study assesses this assumption with respect to Desert fox found in Thar landscape in India. Density of selected food items that encompass dietary spectrum of this species was estimated in a given area and the biomass available for its consumption was calculated seasonally. Relative percentage of biomass available and biomass consumed was correlated, wherein preference was calculated using Ivlev's Index. It is concluded that opportunistic feeding behavior is being exhibited by Desert fox especially in winter season, when resources are limited in terms of their availability. Also, it prefers scavenging on dead carcasses and fallen fruits rather than hunting.