the fox
Foxes are members of the mammalian family, and their sizes range from little to medium. They have a flat skull, triangular ears, and a long, thick tail.
The color of fox fur varies depending on its type, ranging from pearly white to black interspersed with white or grey in folk cultures around the world, and the color of fox fur varies based on its type, ranging in color from pearly white to black interspersed with white or grey.
Other species have traits that allow them to live in freezing conditions like the arctic, while others have adapted to desert environments.
Foxes normally live in small groups, however some, like arctic foxes, can change the color and texture of their coats as the seasons or their age change, and their lifespan in the wild ranges from one to three years, but can exceed that. They are ten years old in captivity, and foxes are annoying animals to humans because they attack poultry and other types of livestock, but human attacks are rare due to the adaptation of many of their species to the human environment, and the sport of fox hunting has spread across many European countries for centuries until it was recently banned in some countries.
species of fox
Foxes have some characteristics that distinguish them from other members of the Canidae family, such as the color of their tail tips differing from the rest of their body and signs of darkening between the nose and eyes, and real foxes have been divided into twelve different species, some of which will be discussed below:
- Arctic fox: The arctic fox has various characteristics that help it survive cold conditions, and it can grow to be 46 to 68 cm long.
- The Fennec fox: is sometimes known as the desert fox. This fox is the smallest type of fox and dwells in dry settings such as the Sahara, Sinai Peninsula, and the Arabian Desert.
- Light fox: This species of the fox may be found in the African coastal regions, and it is recognizable by its wide ears and pale coat, which helps it blend in with the desert environment.
- Blanford's Fox: Also known as the Afghan fox, the Blanford's Fox is a mountain and plains indigenous to areas of Central Asia and the Middle East. It is recognizable by its bushy tails and ability to scale cliffs.
- The Kama Fox: is a South African species with a black and grey tail and yellow flanks and abdomens that thrive in open environments.
- Tibetan sand fox: This fox only lives in arid and semi-arid grassy environments on the Tibetan Plateau, the Ladakh Plateau, and the neighboring areas.
- Kitfox: Kitfox is an indigenous species that can be found in locations ranging from central and northern Mexico to the southwestern United States. It is recognizable by its wide ears that can dissipate heat.
- The red fox: is the largest variety of foxes, and it can be found throughout the northern hemisphere. It is known for its fast adaption to its surroundings. These foxes love to be in groups as well.
Fox adaptation in different environments
Foxes can adapt to a wide range of habitats, including metropolitan areas, deserts, and polar regions, thanks to their keen senses that allow them to see well in low light, detect faint sound frequencies, and trace odors with ease.
Due to the length of their feet, foxes can run at speeds of more than 48 km/h, which aids them in hunting and escaping predators.
Foxes' diet is one of the most visible indicators of their ability to adapt to different habitats, as it includes birds, reptiles, rabbits, insects, fruits, seeds, and vegetables.
As a result, foxes will search for food in garbage bins within cities if they cannot find it elsewhere, and in cases of availability. The food is too large for foxes to bury underground for later use, whether in the soil, snow or under tree leaves.
Foxes on the verge of extinction
Poaching and the lack of natural habitat have put some fox species at risk of extinction. Because of their reliance on opportunistic hunting opportunities, these animals may cause persistent disruption to humans. Foxes, on the other hand, have a positive impact because they may chase pests away from fruit plantations. Here are several fox species that are on the verge of extinction:
- Island Fox: Due to a scarcity of resources such as space, food, and shelter, the island fox has become endangered. The California Islands are home to this species. The spread of the December virus, as well as eagle predation on this variety of foxes, resulted in a dramatic fall in the number of island foxes in 1999.
- Darwin's Fox: Due to the small number of Darwin's foxes and their limited range around the world, this species has become endangered. There are currently 250 of these foxes living in and around Chile. Due to the cutting and burning of forest trees in those places, these foxes are now endangered.