Refining capture and collaring protocols for red foxes

Refining capture and collaring protocols for red foxes | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL Ecology and Evolution This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 23 May 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Refining capture and collaring protocols for red foxes Authors : Holly English 0000-0002-8854-6707 [email protected] , Patricia Romero Marco , Lorraine Bull , Barry Nolan , Paolo Bongi , Vilhelmiina Huuskonen , and Simone Ciuti 0000-0003-1052-9509 Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174798726.64497627/v1 Published Ecology and Evolution Version of record Peer review timeline 358 views 183 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Wildlife species are often captured to take morphometric measurements, collect biological samples and/or fit animal-attached tags to collect data on movement and behaviour. Though routine practice, wildlife captures have important welfare implications which should be carefully considered prior to each study. Full details on capture protocols are often limited to short descriptions in methods sections of papers. This is a major issue as information sharing can improve knowledge on methods that lead to increased or reduced capture success. This ultimately saves researcher time and resources and, most importantly, boosts animal welfare. Here we pursue all of the above aims; collect morphometric data, collect biological samples and fit sensor-equipped collars. We share detailed capture protocols to offer insights to other researchers, while optimising welfare protocols. Having faced challenges in initial captures for our trap-shy target species, we present methodological considerations and refinements undertaken to successfully trap urban red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Dublin, Ireland (n = 16 captures) and related efforts as part of a pilot study in rural Tuscany, Italy (n = 3 captures). We recommend setting multiple capture sites but caution against prolonged time spent in traps for foxes. Remote transmission camera traps and remote trap alert systems are highly recommended to remotely monitor multiple trapping sites at once with reduced disturbance and to facilitate quick arrival at capture sites. We discuss a cheap, lightweight collar drop-off solution to negate the need for a second capture for collar retrieval. In Dublin, we found the likelihood of capturing a fox was significantly affected by rainfall but not temperature. We conclude with an easy-to-consult checklist, providing advice on trap setting, pre-baiting, collar drop-offs and weather conditions, to aid researchers embarking on the capture of foxes and other difficult to trap species, particularly in urban areas with high levels of human activity. Supplementary Material File (english_article_fox_capture_ecol_evol.docx) Download 8.55 MB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 23 May 2025 Peer review timeline Published Ecology and Evolution Version of Record 19 Jan 2026 Published Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Collection Ecology and Evolution Keywords behavioral ecology method development terrestrial vertebrate Authors Affiliations Holly English 0000-0002-8854-6707 [email protected] University College Dublin View all articles by this author Patricia Romero Marco University College Dublin View all articles by this author Lorraine Bull Dublin City Council View all articles by this author Barry Nolan Integrated Wildlife Management Services View all articles by this author Paolo Bongi Ambito Territoriale di Caccia - Massa View all articles by this author Vilhelmiina Huuskonen University College Dublin View all articles by this author Simone Ciuti 0000-0003-1052-9509 University College Dublin View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 358 views 183 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Holly English, Patricia Romero Marco, Lorraine Bull, et al. Refining capture and collaring protocols for red foxes. Authorea . 23 May 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174798726.64497627/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . Format Please select one from the list RIS (ProCite, Reference Manager) EndNote BibTex Medlars RefWorks Direct import Tips for downloading citations document.getElementById('citMgrHelpLink').addEventListener('click', function() { popupHelp(this.href); return false; }); $(".js__slcInclude").on("change", function(e){ if ($(this).val() == 'refworks') $('#direct').prop("checked", false); $('#direct').prop("disabled", ($(this).val() == 'refworks')); }); View Options View options PDF View PDF Figures Tables Media Share Share Share article link Copy Link Copied! Copying failed. 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