Arctic fox [LC]
Vulpes lagopus
[Scientific name]
ᑎᕆᒐᓂᐊᖅ
[Inuktitut]
Njálla
[Northern Sámi]
Песец
[Russian]
The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is a medium-sized species with a circumpolar distribution in all Arctic tundra habitats. Population sizes are strongly associated with lemming abundance, as they are a primary food source, though the foxes supplement this diet with other small vertebrates, carrion and vegetation. They are well known for changing between summer and winter pelages, thereby adjusting their insulating capabilities and enhancing their camouflage potential. There are two genetically distinct coat colour morphs, white and blue, which determine colouration and pattern between seasons.
POPULATION TREND
STABLE
HABITAT & ECOLOGY
Desert • Grassland • Inland Wetlands • Rocky Areas