Vulpes lagopus

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Arctic fox
French : Renard polaire

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Canidae
Notes : 4 to 10 subspecies known depending on taxonomic revisions.

Identification
Adults can reach a body length of 75 cm for a weight of 4.2 kg. Quite short legs, very long fluffy tail. Fur is very dense and soft. Summer fur is black with clearer areas on belly and breast, winter fur is either entirely white or grey.

Range and habitat
The species has a circumpolar range, being found in Alaska, north half of Canada, Greenland and from Scandinavia to east Siberia. Lives in alpine and arctic tundra.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a large range and its numbers are high but it is threatened by climate change, introduction of diseases by introduced foxes and dogs.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Dogs, Hyenas, Bears & Relatives” page