I first began watching foxes and then looking at mystery canids in the UK around 1976. Naturalists as a whole were not that interested in studying foxes ~and the UK universities and colleges have no biology departments studying wildlife ("It just ain't sexy and there is no money in it!").
Things have changed a little but there are too many prejudices involved and you just must not rock the boat these days....yes, that money thing again.
However, I intend to continue the work begun back then for as long as I am breathing and not wait 40 odd years before publishing research ~as with The Red Paper: Canids.
Initially the idea was to find someone at a lab who could analyze DNA to identify origins of foxes in the UK, and if you have not read my book that ought to confuse you. However, not many people willing to do these tests for free because they are expensive and time consuming as I discovered when we worked with a laboratory on analyzing samples allegedly from large cats.
The most basic form of survey would be on fox types. There used to be noticeable differences in the appearances of foxes ~Hill foxes, Valley foxes, terrier foxes and so on. People on fox groups seem to be like people visiting blogs ~look then go. I am hoping this appeal will break that bad streak (please!).
I have come across problems when I did a brief badger study as well as when I was looking at exotic fauna in the UK. People are very ~very~ protective of the animals in question. There is no argument with that on my part but I will make it clear: This work has absolutely nothing to do and no connections with hunting or trapping of any kind. This work is intended to add to our knowledge of the fox in the United Kingdom only. That is GUARANTEED.
All I need are decent photographs of any foxes that visit where you live. If you know the vixen from the dog fox, great and that's basically it. I'll need info such as:
1) Town/City and County (information is welcome from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland *
That is the basic information but please, if you can answer or add more it all helps. So, additional:
2) How long have the foxes been in your area or visiting?
3) If you feed them what are you putting out for them?
4) Have the foxes ever had mange in your area? **
5) Have you seen young or noticed the foxes pairing up?
6) Do you only see the foxes in the evening/night or also during the day?
If you send a photo please ensure there is permission for me to use it. I may not but if I do anything that may identify the exact location WILL be removed. Animal safety is the priority.
The other aspect of the study is to look at unusual fox colouration. My files have records on black as well as white foxes. It would be interesting to find out whether any unusual colouration has been noted in the foxes in your area? The photo(s) may sort that out but worth mentioning.
Any photographs and information should be sent to:
blacktowercg@hotmail.com
Please identify your email is concerned with the study by adding "H&FS" in the subject bar.
And THANK YOU in advance for your cooperation!
* In any notes or texts no exact address nor identification of contributors is made except when crediting the person supplying the photo/information (in print initials or pseudonym can be used)
**If you notice mange in the foxes you see or any injuries I urge you to contact the National Fox Welfare Society who do great work in helping and treating injured and sick foxes and is a charity.
https://www.facebook.com/foxwelfare/
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