Variation in the daily activity patterns of the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) in three ecosystems in Mexico

Abstract

The analysis of the daily activity patterns of mammalian wildlife allows us to address different aspects of their ecology, such as the response to the influence of natural and anthropogenic environmental factors. We compared the patterns and daily activity levels of the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoeargenteus) in three protected areas of Mexico using camera-trapping data. We found significant variation in the activity distribution throughout the day and in its level. These results highlight this species' plasticity in this functional attribute, which may give it an advantage to thrive in various environments, including those affected by anthropogenic activity.