The arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is a High Nordic fox species that is widespread on continents and islands all around the North Arctic on tundra and coastal areas.
The Arctic Fox is a captivating and resilient creature that calls the icy landscapes of the Arctic its home. Endowed with a stunning white coat that camouflages it against the snowy backdrop, this small canid has adapted to the extreme conditions of the far North. In this blog, we will delve into the fascinating world of the Arctic fox, exploring its adaptations, behavior, and the challenges it faces in the harsh Arctic environment.
The fox
Wild foxes can live to be 6–10 years old, but can live up to 20 years in human hands. They weigh about 4 kg. and can be about 60 cm plus the tail that is around 30 cm long. Many of the foxes are then white in winter but brown-black in summer to fit into the environment.
The fox has a very thick fur in the winter that can withstand temperatures as low as -35 degrees Celsius. But in the summertime their fur thins. They shed their hair like the Icelandic horse so it won’t be too hot for the fox and more comfortable for him. the arctic fox gets its brown shed in the summer when it sheds its winter coat. As shown in Figure 2 at the bottom of the article.
Also the fox’s furry paws act as natural snowshoes, providing insulation and helping it walk on snow without sinking.
More about the arctic fox
The breeding season for the arctic foxes is usually occurs in the spring. Females give birth to a litter of about 5 to 8 pups in a den, which is often a burrow dug into the ground or in a snowbank. The male assists in raising the pups, and both parents are actively involved in providing food.
Arctic foxes are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They have excellent hearing, which helps them find prey under the snow.
The fox’s diet then varies depending on the season. They are opportunistic and eat small mammals such as lemmings, birds, eggs and insects. They can also scavenge carrion or eat plant matter.
The main natural predators of Arctic foxes include polar bears and larger foxes. However, their populations are also impacted by human activities, climate change, and habitat destruction.
How did the arctic fox get to Iceland?
The arctic fox came first to Iceland 3500 years ago, maybe earlier. He is the only land mammal in the Icelandic fauna that has arrived in Iceland without the help of humans. How he got to Iceland is that he came from other countries around the Arctic with an ice bridge that led to Iceland during the ice age. When the ice then retreated, the fox population in Iceland was isolated from other arctic foxes in the north. The Icelandic fox is most closely related to the Greenlandic fox.
No other animal in Iceland has had as many names like the fox. He is for example called lá fóta or low footed (because foxes have short legs), dýrbýtur animal biter and Melrakki or grass dog (hid and sneak in the grass). Fox in Icelandic is Refur.
Final words about the arctic fox
Climate change is affecting the Arctic environment, and this has consequences for Arctic foxes. Changes in snow cover and food availability can impact their survival.
Understanding and protecting the habitats of Arctic foxes are crucial for their conservation, especially in the face of ongoing environmental changes.
