Urban Foxes Prefer Parks Over Forests in Berlin
In the heart of Berlin, a unique urban wildlife story unfolds. Foxes, once thought to be rare in the city, have become a common sight in recent years.
These urban foxes have adapted remarkably well to their surroundings. Their diet primarily consists of mice and other available food sources, with a surprising preference for doner and fries. Interestingly, they tend to avoid forests and parks, preferring small gardens and undisturbed corners, as well as the city's sidewalks and transportation infrastructure.
The city's layout, shaped by the Berlin Wall, has played a significant role in shaping the city's fox population. Urban ecologist Sophia Kimmig's research reveals that the division of Berlin created a barrier for fox movement and gene flow, leading to genetic divergence between fox populations on the East and West sides.
Kimmig's studies demonstrate that the Berlin Wall, along with the urban infrastructure, acted as both a physical and ecological barrier, influencing the city's fox populations' genetic makeup. Different urban environments and resource availability in the two parts of the city led to distinct behaviour and population dynamics. As a result, fox populations on each side of the former Berlin Wall developed distinct genetic signatures, highlighting how urban barriers can influence wildlife population genetics over relatively short time spans.
Despite their urban adaptation, foxes in Berlin still face challenges. They are known to die young due to city traffic accidents and are often evicted by their mothers at a young age, requiring them to find a new territory to establish their own family. Coexistence between humans and foxes is generally unproblematic, but fear of rabies persists in the population's consciousness.
It's essential to note that since the 1990s, foxes have extensively inhabited the city of Berlin. Over time, urban fox territories have remained within families, and their size can vary greatly, from small cemeteries to four square kilometers of residential area.
Biologist Sophia Kimmig's research provides valuable insights into the ecology and behaviour of Berlin's fox population. Her work underscores how urban political and physical barriers, like the Berlin Wall, not only affect human society but also shape the ecology and evolution of urban wildlife.
The series of articles includes information on various Berlin wildlife, such as storks, hedgehogs, rats, otters, and, of course, foxes. As we continue to develop our cities, understanding the impact on urban wildlife is crucial for creating a harmonious coexistence between humans and the diverse creatures that call our cities home.
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