Levamisole can reduce bait monopolization in wild red foxes Vulpes vulpes

Abstract

1. Baits are used worldwide to deliver vaccines, contraceptives and poison to wild animal species. In carnivores, multiple bait uptake and bait monopolization by dominant individuals may reduce baiting effectiveness. This study investigated whether a conditioned-taste-aversion agent, levamisole, can be used to decrease bait consumption by individual wild foxes Vulpes vulpes.

2. The results indicated that after consuming levamisole-treated baits, foxes avoided eating treated baits but consumed untreated baits. We concluded that the reduction in bait consumption was achieved through learned aversion to levamisole rather than via conditioned-taste-aversion to baits. Adding levamisole to baits could potentially be used to reduce bait monopolization by individual wild foxes.