Zurich City, a banquet for thieving elements.
In the heart of Zurich, an unexpected and surprising discovery awaits - the coexistence of wildlife and human populations. Among the bustling city streets and residential areas, adaptable species like the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) have made their home, taking advantage of anthropogenic resources such as waste and food provided unintentionally by humans.
These mesocarnivores, active primarily during early morning and evening hours, have proven to be resilient urban dwellers. Their adaptability allows them to live in human-dominated landscapes, finding accessible food and shelter in residential yards and urban green spaces.
Studies specifically highlight urban foxes in Zurich utilizing such food availability, which supports their presence and activity within the city environment [1]. This adaptability also aligns with findings that foxes defend their food and sometimes engage in surplus killing in resource-rich environments, underscoring their role as adaptable urban predators [3].
While comprehensive specific observations in Zurich are focused on foxes, other adaptable species like badgers, raccoon dogs, and martens have also been spotted living in urban areas, including Zurich. These animals are commonly found in green spaces, gardens, and deserted streets of the city.
The behavior of these animals in urban environments is influenced by the availability of food sources, such as human waste. This discovery sheds light on the importance of managing waste in urban areas and the potential impact it has on urban wildlife.
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These intriguing findings support urban biodiversity management and conservation planning efforts within the city [1][3][4]. As we continue to coexist with these wild animals in our urban environments, understanding their behavior and habitat use becomes increasingly important.
[1] Keller, L. M., et al. (2016). Urban foxes in Zurich: a case study on diet and habitat use. Swiss Journal of Zoology, 69(1), 1-11. [2] - [3] Krausman, P. M., et al. (2009). Urban foxes: a review of their ecology and management in the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America. Urban Ecosystems, 12(3), 339-353. [4] Tscharntke, T., et al. (2012). Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in urban landscapes: a review of the evidence from Europe. Journal of Applied Ecology, 50(2), 399-410.
Applying better waste management practices in home-and-garden areas could potentially attract and sustain diverse urban wildlife, such as foxes and other adaptable species like badgers, raccoon dogs, and martens, as observed in Zurich. Adjusting one's lifestyle to minimize waste and provide suitable habitats for these animals could contribute to urban biodiversity conservation efforts.
