ДИНАМІКА ВІДТВОРЕННЯ ЛИСИЦI (Vulpes vulpes Linnaeus, 1758) В УМОВАХ ЗНИЖЕНОГО АНТРОПОГЕННОГО НАВАНТАЖЕННЯ

Success of hunting and fight against the rabies depends on the population of foxes. Processes of reproduction and mortality constitute basis of the population dynamics. The aim of the research was to study the features of Northwest Black Sea Coast fox reproduction in 1998-2008, age structure and to evaluate modern condition of the population. Fertility of foxes was determined by autopsy of female corpses, obtained in the process of hunting in autumn-winter periods of 1998-2008 on the territory of Odesa and Nikolaiv regions. Quantity of embryos or dark placental spots in uterus was taken into account. 318 females older than one year were examined. Age of foxes was determined by comparative width of canine canal. In 1998-2008 the average values of fertility and intensity of reproduction were low (respectively 6.5 ± 0.2 of placental spots and 54.0 ± 4.13 % of reproducing females). The average fertility was fluctuating by years from 5.6 ± 0.29 to 7.8 ± 0.47 of placental spots, and the difference between its minimal and maximal values proved to be reliable (Р ≤ 0.01). Intensity of reproduction fluctuated by years from 36.8% to 75.0%. The average value of increase of foxes as a result of reproduction counted per 1 female constituted 3.5 ± 0.3 fox-cubs, with more than twofold difference between separate seasons. The reduced level of reproduction and large part of adult individuals in the population of foxes will condition reduction of their population in the second decade of the current century.