Étude des critères d'implantation du terrier chez le renard roux (Vulpes vulpes L.) au Pays de Liège

In the course of the spring 1984, the authors visited about 200 fox dens in the southern and eastern parts of the Province de Liège (Eastern, Belgium). Each den sjte was described. Then a multivariate analysis (recyprocal averaging) was performed to identify, when possible the parameters influencing the fox habitat choice. Fox dens generally are built in forested habitats with no or only a poor scrub layer and are southernly or westernly oriented. For example in the vinicity of roads or human dwelling his den will be established under a dense vegetation cover whereas in the middle of forested are as it has to be found in open wood or near clearcuts. In our study area fox dens with more than 5 main entrances are not common. Frequently they are not occupied for more than one reproduction season. Cohabitation with badger was noted in 15 cases (59 fox-occupied dens) and with rabbit in 4 cases only.