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How are red foxes and arctic foxes similar?
Red foxes and arctic foxes are part of the same family and even the same genus, but they’re not the same species. Many differences separate these two fox species, from the color of their fur to their overall size and stature.
The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is the only fox species occurring in the Arctic and is adapted to its extreme climatic conditions. A closely related species of the Arctic fox is the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The two species diverged from their most recent common ancestor approximately 2.9 million years ago (Ma) [3].
Are foxes and red foxes the same?
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the largest of the true foxes and one of the most widely distributed members of the order Carnivora, being present across the entire Northern Hemisphere including most of North America, Europe and Asia, plus parts of North Africa.
Is red fox bigger than arctic fox?
The biggest competitor is the arctic fox’s close cousin, the red fox. “The red fox is coming ever further up the mountains and it is both bigger and stronger than the arctic fox. It’s not just a serious competitor for food, but it can also take over arctic fox dens”, says Lundemo.
Is there competition between red foxes and Arctic foxes?
The Arctic Fox With the worlds climate rising competition is beginning to increase between animals that would normally not coexist. According to the competitive exclusion principle this competition is too high between the red fox and arctic fox and they are unable to live in an ecosystem together.
What kind of social structure does an Arctic fox have?
Arctic foxes are primarily monogamous and both parents will care for the offspring. When predators and prey are abundant, Arctic foxes are more likely to be promiscuous (exhibited in both males and females) and display more complex social structures.
How are red foxes adapted to the tundra?
For example, oil-extraction infrastructure on the tundra creates pockets of shelter for the less cold-adapted red foxes, allowing them to persist north of where they normally couldn’t. A red fox carrying an arctic ground squirrel in Alaska. Image: National Park Service/ Kent Miller
Can a red fox wipe out an Arctic fox?
Several years ago, scientists observed a red fox lay claim to an occupied Arctic fox den in Russia’s Yamal Peninsula, bullying the rightful owner away permanently. In more extreme cases, red foxes can wipe out Arctic foxes almost entirely, as they did on the St. Matthew Islands off the coast of Alaska.