The World of Foxes as Taught by a Wildlife Researcher: Book Review
Author: Hideharu Tsukada, Midorishobo, January 2024, 292 pages, 2,200 yen (excluding tax)
Foxes (specifically the red fox) are widely distributed nationwide and globally, making them wild animals that are very familiar to us from a cultural perspective as well. However, much like the proverb “it is dark under the lighthouse,” despite having many opportunities to see foxes through media, mascot characters, and other means, very few people actually know the reality of their lives in the wild. Based on his experience and knowledge cultivated through years of fox research, the author, Dr. Hideharu Tsukada, has compiled all sorts of information about foxes into this single book, including their ecology, cultural connections, and the problems foxes cause in modern times. As can be seen from its simple title and soft-touch cover illustration, this book is an introductory guide aimed at the general public, including those who do not know much about foxes. Throughout the entire volume, technical terms are replaced with everyday expressions, making it easy to read, and with many photographs and illustrations, the situations are easy to visualize. It is also recommended for junior and senior high school students interested in biology. On the other hand, is the content lacking for graduate students or researchers? No, absolutely not. In fact, as someone who has also been researching foxes for over 10 years, I learned a great deal from this book. It is particularly fascinating that behavioral ecology, which can only be understood by directly observing and tracking living specimens—such as everyday fox gestures, vocalizations, and the meanings behind those behaviors—is explained in great detail. Furthermore, although detailed research content is omitted, a wide range of domestic and international research reports and materials are cited, giving the book the aspect of a review article on foxes. Because it also introduces interactions and comparisons with other species, it can be recommended not only to fox researchers but to researchers of other mammals as well.
This book consists of a total of six chapters. Chapter 1 unravels the mystery of people's perceptions of foxes, taking hints from historical documents and anime. Chapter 2 introduces basic ecology, starting with classification, followed by distribution, habitat, and life cycle. Chapter 3 covers foraging, Chapter 4 social behavior, and Chapter 5 the history of Echinococcus invasion and expansion, as well as countermeasures. Finally, Chapter 6 discusses the conflicts occurring between modern foxes and humans, and proposes appropriate ways to coexist with them. Additionally, the content of the columns included in each chapter is fascinating. For example, questions you might have on a daily basis regarding foxes—such as "What is the black fox?" frequently featured in the media, or "Why do foxes steal shoes?"—might be resolved by reading this book.
Apart from this book, the same author has also published another book titled "Another Story of the Red Fox: Diverse Relationships Between Foxes and Humans." Since this one focuses on Hokkaido's red foxes and offers more specialized content, it would be a good idea to read it if reading this book sparks further interest in foxes.
Yosuke Amachi (Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University)
The World of Foxes, Taught by a Wildlife Researcher (PDF file)
