Abstract
'The cape fox is a small canid species (3-4 kg) restricted in distribution to southern Africa. This species has declined during the past 20 years, probably due to extensive and increasing habitat loss within its distribution. The primary goal of this res earch is to study cape fox populations in both isolated and continuous natural habitats. By comparing a broad range of parameters between sites, the effects of habitat fragmentation and isolation on cape foxes can be determined. The scientific merit of t his research is to incorporate demographic, behavioral, community, and genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation in assessing the requirements of species survival. By examining these factors simultaneously, and integrating research from different fiel ds, and more unique multidisciplinary approach is used to better understand species and community-level responses to habitat transformations. Because cape foxes are secretive and nocturnal, radio-telemetry (e.g., capturing and marking) will be used to obt ain demographic data. Data also will be collected on sympatric larger canids, which might be suppressing cape fox populations. Behavioral data on cape foxes will collected by observations at den sites. Genetic data on cape foxes will obtained by collect ing hair, tissue, and scat samples, and will be analyzed at a laboratory in England. This project will involve local biologists and students, and educational seminars will be given to local people. Countries of the EU will benefit because this research w ill use a more holistic approach to identify effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity. If successful, this multidisciplinary approach can be applied to the numerous species faced with diminishing and fragmented habitats. This project also will he lp form long-term collaborative relationships among researchers from three continents, allowing for the integration of different perspectives in the ultimate goal of preserving the world¿s biodiversity.'
Europe