Vulpes chama the Cape Fox
Figure 1:
Cape fox (Vulpes chama)
The
Cape fox (Vulpes chama) inhabits the steppe,
rocky desert and open country of Southern Africa and South Zimbabwe and Angola
(Figure 2) (Macdonald, 2009; Kingdon, 1997). V. chama is one of the least studied Vulpes species, and little is known about their diet (Klare et
al., 2014). However, they are known to be opportunistic, feeding on
invertebrates and mice, as well as other small vertebrates, fallen fruits and
grass as well as any remains they find (Kingdon, 1997), simply any food they
can find.
Predation
upon this species has not been documented. Yet, it is likely that large birds
of prey and larger carnivores in the area may predate on these foxes,
especially the young. Cape foxes are rarely active in daylight and hunting is strictly
confined to dark hours (Nel, 1984). This is a suggested behavioural adaptation
to protect itself from any possible predators in the area.
Little is known about the evolution
and adaptations of the Cape fox. However, the simple adaptations discussed
above, opportunistic feeding and strict nocturnal hunting, could give this fox
an advantage in surviving in such arid environmental conditions.
I’m curious as to why nocturnal activity is suggested to be an anti-predator adaptation? These animals occur in desert regions. To me, it makes more sense that this is an adaptation to avoid high daytime temperatures. Has anyone suggested this?
ReplyDeleteNocturnal activity has been suggested as an anti-predator adaptation because many of the large birds of prey in this area are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. Thus, it is less likely for this fox to be predated on a night; while not totally safe from harm they are safer. As noted in the blog, little is known about any adaptations of the Cape fox. While no literature that was used for this post mentioned a thermoregulatory adaptation to the heat through nocturnal activity, it is a likely possibility.
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