Energy intake of captive adult-sized arctic foxes Alopex lagopus in Svlbard, in relation to body weight, climate, and activity

Food intake, change in body weight, and rate of inactivity were studied in two groups of arctic foxes Alopex lagopus, caged at Ny-Alesund on the western coast of Svalbard (79°N). One group consisted of five «tame» foxes held in captivity for 9 to 28 months, and the other group consisted of 20 «wild» foxes held in captivity for 4 to 23 days. Daily energy intake varied between individuals, but no significant seasonal differences were found. Throughout the year mean energy consumption in tame foxes was 623.8 kcal.day −1 and in wild foxes 530.2 kcal.day −1 . Maintenance requirement was about 120 kcal.kg weight −1 .day −1 , or 360 kcal.day −1 for a 3 kg fox. Yearly mean weight for tame foxes was 3.37 kg, and no seasonal differences in weight were detected