Predation by foxes, Vulpes vulpes, on the fossorial form of the water vole, Arvicola terrestris scherman, in western Switzerland

Predation on the fossorial form of the water volc by the red fox was studied in western Switzerland from April 1988 to February 1991. As well as analysis of the ramains found in fox scats collected monthly, seasonal trapping was carried out to estimate water vole density. During this study, the water vole was the main prey of the fox, representing 54.5% of all items (n=1707). There was a significant correlation between availability of water voels and their consumption by the red fox.