| Academic host: | Prof. Prof. h. c. Dr. Ursula Siebert |
|---|---|
| Alexander Von Humboldt post doctoral fellow: | PhD Owen Bidder |
| Project term: | April 2015 until April 2017 |
| Sponsorship: | Alexander von Humboldt Post-Doctoral Scholarship, awarded to Dr. Owen Bidder |
Project description
Scent marking is very obviously an important, widespread, but poorly understood form of cheat-proof olfactory communication in mammals. It is utilised for many purposes, such as in intrasexual competition, or to advertise availability to potential mates and has been the object of much speculation. The aim of this project is to understand more about this critical aspect of mammal ecology by using the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) as a model species. The red fox is a species of broad ecological significance, it populates a large geographical area, spanning the majority of the northern hemisphere, utilises a diversity of habitat types, is an economically important pest species and is an important vector of rabies. Thus a greater understanding of fox population biology and movement ecology is both scientifically and societally important.
This holistic study contains two primary components; Firstly, we investigate the physiology behind scent marking signals in the red fox by using Mass Spectrometry techniques to detect the volatile chemicals in the urine and link these with indices of fitness (e.g. body condition, endocrine status, immune-competence etc.) detected through blood samples. Secondly, we use animal borne technologies to track the animal’s movements in their environment to see how individuals distribute their scent marks in order to effectively defend territories and signal to potential mates.
It is hoped that through undertaking this study, we will be able to develop new humane management techniques for the red fox. Understanding more about fox ecology could also have important implications for the conservation of other canids.
