Conservation
The Cape fox is thought to help regulate populations of small mammals. Predators of the Cape fox include large raptors, such as eagles and owls, a well as caracal, leopards, hyenas, and lions. They often succumb to diseases such as rabies and distemper, although lately they have become the victims of traps set out for problem animals. A large number of Cape fox are killed on the road by vehicles, but many are hunted and persecuted as vermin, although modern farmers are better informed. Some are falsely mistaken for jackals and are accused of taking farmers' livestock. About 2,500 are killed yearly, although this is only about 16% of the total Cape fox population. Even with the threats they face, Cape foxes are not regarded as a threatened species.
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Famous quotes containing the word conservation:
“The putting into force of laws which shall secure the conservation of our resources, as far as they may be within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, including the more important work of saving and restoring our forests and the great improvement of waterways, are all proper government functions which must involve large expenditure if properly performed.”
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