27/12/2022
The ( ), also known as the , , or , is a small native to the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and common throughout the Arctic tundra biome. It is well adapted to living in cold environments, and is best known for its thick, warm fur that is also used as camouflage. It has a large and very fluffy tail. In the wild, most individuals do not live past their first year but some exceptional ones survive up to 11 years. Its body length ranges from 46 to 68 cm (18 to 27 in), with a generally rounded body shape to minimize the escape of body heat.
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(Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms
Alopex lagopus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Canis lagopus Linnaeus, 1758
Canis fuliginosus Bechstein, 1799
Canis groenlandicus Bechstein, 1799
Vulpes arctica Oken, 1816
Vulpes hallensis Merriam, 1900
Vulpes pribilofensis Merriam, 1903
Vulpes beringensis Merriam, 1903
The Arctic fox preys on many small creatures such as lemmings, voles, ringed seal pups, fish, waterfowl, and seabirds. It also eats carrion, berries, seaweed, and insects and other small invertebrates. Arctic foxes form monogamous pairs during the breeding season and they stay together to raise their young in complex underground dens. Occasionally, other family members may assist in raising their young. Natural predators of the Arctic fox are golden eagles, Arctic wolves, polar bears wolverines, red foxes, and grizzly bears
Besides the nominate subspecies, the common Arctic fox, V. l. lagopus, four other subspecies of this fox have been described:
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Arctic fox: Fig. 10
Kit, Swift, Corsac, Rüppell's, Red, Cape, Blanford's, Fennec , Bat-eared fox, and Raccoon dog
