The helpful search for foxes: Citizen Science asks for volunteers to record urban wildlife

Researchers at the University of Galway are inviting the public to participate in a new cross-border Citizen Science survey and record sightings of red foxes in cities.

The survey is particularly focused on the largest cities, both north and south – Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Derry and Waterford.

Irish foxes survey

Researchers aim to source as much valuable data as possible for conservation planning for red foxes and to find solutions for potential human-wildlife conflicts.

Dr Colin Lawton of the University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences said: “These Citizen Science projects are a brilliant opportunity for us to tap into the wealth of knowledge and information that Irish people have about wildlife in their area. We would love to hear about any sighting or encounter with a fox, whether it is a regular garden visitor or a chance meeting late at night!”

In recent years, urban areas have become increasingly important to Ireland’s wildlife as animals move into expanding cities in search of food and shelter.

Red foxes in particular have proved very adaptable and can successfully live out their lives in an urban environment. They are opportunistic animals that are known to thrive in built-up areas due to the availability of food sources, such as discarded food, insects and fruit. They also hunt other urban animals such as rats, mice, and pigeons. Being nocturnal, they scavenge at night and seek daytime refuge in gardens, parks, and abandoned buildings.

Project Officer Jodie O’Regan said: “The ecology of urban foxes can often be very different from their rural counterparts, as the proximity of people and relative abundance of food causes them to change their behaviour, but they are the same species. Every record that we get in a citizen science project of this nature will make a difference in understanding urban fox distribution and behaviour and can shed light on the needs of the animals and the potential of cities to provide for them.”

Members of the public can record their sightings using the Urban Fox Survey page, hosted by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. If a fox frequently visits your property, please email urbanfoxsurvey@gmail.com.