Original Research

Diet of bat-eared foxes Otocyon megalotis in the Karoo

V. Kuntzsch, J.A.J. Nel
Koedoe | Vol 35, No 2 | a403 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v35i2.403 | © 1992 National Parks Board
Submitted: 22 September 1992 | Published: 22 September 1992

About the author(s)

V. Kuntzsch, University ofStellenbosch, South Africa
J.A.J. Nel, University ofStellenbosch, South Africa

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Abstract

The diet of bat-eared foxes Otocyon megalotis was studied from March 1988 to September 1989 at two sites near Beaufort West in the central Karoo. In a near-natural habitat (Karoo National Park), insects and wild fruit contributed almost equally to the diet, while more insects than plant material were consumed on a sheep farm (Saucyskuil). Adult and larval Coleoptera (KNP) and Orthoptera (Saucyskuil) were predominantly preyed upon in an opportunistic manner, influenced by food availability. A higher volume of Isoptera was consumed at Saucyskuil, suggesting higher availability in the farming area.

Keywords

diet, bat-eared foxes, Otocyon, Karoo.

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