Swift fox

Last updated

Swift fox [1]
Swift Fox Colorado Wolf and Wildlife cropped.jpg
Swift fox at Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Rescue Center
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Vulpes
Species:
V. velox
Binomial name
Vulpes velox
(Say, 1823)
Vulpes velox map.svg
Swift fox range
Synonyms
  • Vulpes velox hebes Merriam, 1902

The swift fox (Vulpes velox) is a small light orange-tan fox around the size of a domestic cat found in the western grasslands of North America, such as Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma [3] and Texas. [1] It also lives in southern Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta in Canada, where it was previously extirpated. [2] It is closely related to the kit fox (V. macrotis) and some mammalogists classify them as conspecific. [4] However, molecular systematics imply that the two species are distinct. [5] Interbreeding between the two species does occur where their ranges overlap (eastern New Mexico and western Texas), but this hybridization is quite restricted in scope. [6]

Contents

The swift fox lives primarily in short-grass prairies and deserts. It became nearly extinct in the 1930s as a result of predator control programs, but was successfully reintroduced later. Currently, the conservation status of the species is considered by the IUCN as Least Concern owing to stable populations elsewhere. [2]

Like most canids, the swift fox is an omnivore, and its diet includes grasses and fruits as well as small mammals, carrion, and insects. In the wild, its lifespan is 3 to 6 years, and it breeds once annually, from late December to March, depending on the geographic region. Pups are born anywhere from March to mid-May, and are weaned at six to seven weeks old.

Description

Skull Catalogue North American mammals with drawings and proof of plates (Vulpes velox skull).jpg
Skull

The swift fox has a dark, grayish, tan coloration that extends to a yellowish tan color across its sides and legs. The throat, chest, and belly range from pale yellow to white in color. Its tail is black-tipped, and it has black patches on its muzzle. Its ears are noticeably large. It is about 12 inches (30 cm) in height, and 31 inches (79 cm) long, measuring from the head to the tip of the tail, or about the size of a domestic cat. Its weight ranges from around five to seven pounds. [7] Males and females are similar in appearance, although males are slightly larger. [8]

Distribution and habitat

The swift fox lives in short-grass prairies and western grassland. They form their dens in sandy soil on open prairies, in plowed fields, or along fences. [8] It is native to the Great Plains region of North America, and its range extends north to the southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada, and south to Texas. It reaches from western Iowa to Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Montana. [7]

Conservation status

The swift fox was once a severely endangered species, due to predator control programs in the 1930s that were aimed mostly at the gray wolf and the coyote. [8] The species was extirpated from Canada by 1938, [2] but a reintroduction program started in 1983 [9] has been successful in establishing small populations in southeast Alberta and southwest Saskatchewan, despite the fact that many reintroduced individuals do not survive their first year. [8] Nonetheless, by 1996, 540 foxes had been released around the Alberta-Saskatchewan border and Milk River Ridge areas, parts of the species' original native range. [10] Four years later, those introduced foxes had tripled in number, making the program one of the most successful endangered species reintroduction programs in the world. [11] In May 1999, the Species at Risk Act listed the swift fox as an endangered species in Canada, giving the species further protection for growth. [12] A small, but stable and growing population continues to live freely in the southeastern regions of Alberta, and southwestern regions of Saskatchewan. [10] Canada's national recovery strategy plan was revised in 2008 by the National Swift Fox Recovery Team, with projections of a long-term goal by 2026, "to restore a self-sustaining swift fox population of 1,000 or more mature, reproducing foxes that does not experience greater than a 30% population reduction in any 10-year period". [2]

Exact population numbers of the swift fox are unknown, but it is known that they currently inhabit only 40% of their historic range. [7] In addition to its populations in Canada, there are also swift fox populations in the United States, ranging from South Dakota to Texas. In 1995, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the fox warranted an endangered listing, but other higher priority species precluded its listing. [13] This prompted state wildlife agencies within the fox's range to create the Swift Fox Conservation Team, which worked to implement better swift fox management and monitoring programs. [13] Populations in the United States are stable in the central part of its range, [8] and it is not considered endangered in the United States. The IUCN Red List characterizes it as of Least Concern. [2]

Behavior and ecology

A swift fox napping during the day in a zoo. Vulpes velox2.jpg
A swift fox napping during the day in a zoo.

In the wild, the swift fox usually lives 3–6 years, but may live up to 14 years in captivity. [10] It is primarily nocturnal, spending only evenings and nighttime above ground in the summer. Daytime activities are usually confined to the den, but it has been known to spend the warm midday period above ground during the winter. [8] Due to the harsh winter conditions where the swift fox can be found, there is an increase in mortality rates. [14] The swift fox is more heavily dependent on its den than most North American canids, using them as shelter from predators. These dens are usually burrows that are two to four meters in length. [8] It has been known to run very fast, at speeds of over 50 km/h (30 mph). [8] or up to 60 km/h (40 mph) [15] The coyote is the swift fox's main predator, but often chooses not to consume the swift fox. [16] Other predators include the American badger, golden eagle, and bobcat. [16] It is also vulnerable to trapping and poisoning, as well as death on highways. [17]

Reproduction

Swift foxes are a socially monogamous species, although multiple breeding strategies have been observed. [18] The adult swift fox's breeding season varies with region. In the southern United States, it mates between December and February with pups born in March and early April, while in Canada, the breeding season begins in March, and pups are born in mid-May. The male swift fox matures and may mate at one year, while the female usually waits until her second year before breeding. Adults live in pairs, and although some individuals mate for life, others choose different partners each year. Gestation takes around 51 days, and four to five kits are born. [7] [8]

The swift fox only has one litter annually, but may occupy up to thirteen dens in one year, moving because prey is scarce or because skin parasites build up inside the den. Sometimes it makes other burrows from other bigger animals, even though it is completely capable of digging one on its own. Pups are born in the den and typically remain there for approximately one month. A newborn pup's eyes and ears remain closed for ten to fifteen days, leaving it dependent on the mother for food and protection during this time. It is usually weaned around six or seven weeks old and remains with its parents until fall. [8] Recent research has shown that social organization in the swift fox is unusual among canids, since it is based on the females. [19] Females maintain territories at all times, but males emigrate if the resident female is killed or removed. [19]

Diet

Like most foxes, the swift fox is an omnivore. Rabbits, mice, ground squirrels, birds, insects, other arthropods, lizards, amphibians, fish and eggs are staples. [7] [8] Grasses and fruits round out its diet. [8] However, like any efficient forager, the swift fox takes advantage of seasonal foods. [8] During the summer, adults eat large amounts of insects, including beetles and grasshoppers, and feed their young with larger prey items.[ citation needed ] Deer and other carrion killed by other animals may also be important food sources.[ citation needed ]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arctic fox</span> Species of fox

The Arctic fox, also known as the white fox, polar fox, or snow fox, is a small fox that belongs to the family of Canidae, native to the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and common throughout the Arctic tundra biome. It is well adapted to living in cold environments, and is best known for its thick, warm fur that is also used as camouflage. It has a large and very fluffy tail. In the wild, most individuals do not live past their first year but some exceptional ones survive up to 11 years. Its body length ranges from 46 to 68 cm, with a generally rounded body shape to minimize the escape of body heat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fox</span> Genera of mammal

Foxes are small to medium-sized, omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They have a flattened skull, upright, triangular ears, a pointed, slightly upturned snout, and a long bushy tail ("brush").

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red wolf</span> Canid native to the southeastern United States

The red wolf is a canine native to the southeastern United States. Its size is intermediate between the coyote and gray wolf.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fennec fox</span> Species of fox

The fennec fox is a small crepuscular fox native to the deserts of North Africa, ranging from Western Sahara and Mauritania to the Sinai Peninsula. Its most distinctive feature is its unusually large ears, which serve to dissipate heat and listen for underground prey. The fennec is the smallest fox species. Its coat, ears, and kidney functions have adapted to the desert environment with high temperatures and little water. It mainly eats insects, small mammals and birds. The fennec has a life span of up to 14 years in captivity and about 10 years in the wild. Its main predators are the Verreaux's eagle-owl, jackals and other large mammals. Fennec families dig out burrows in the sand for habitation and protection, which can be as large as 120 m2 (1,300 sq ft) and adjoin the burrows of other families. Precise population figures are not known but are estimated from the frequency of sightings; these indicate that the fennec is currently not threatened by extinction. Knowledge of social interactions is limited to information gathered from captive animals. The fennec's fur is prized by the indigenous peoples of North Africa, and it is considered an exotic pet in some parts of the world.

<i>Vulpes</i> Genus of the sub-family Caninae

Vulpes is a genus of the sub-family Caninae. The members of this genus are colloquially referred to as true foxes, meaning they form a proper clade. The word "fox" occurs in the common names of all species of the genus, but also appears in the common names of other canid species. True foxes are distinguished from members of the genus Canis, such as domesticated dogs, wolves, jackals and coyotes, by their smaller size (5–11 kg), longer, bushier tail, and flatter skull. They have black, triangular markings between their eyes and nose, and the tip of their tail is often a different color from the rest of their pelt. The typical lifespan for this genus is between two and four years, but can reach up to a decade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black-footed ferret</span> Species of carnivore

The black-footed ferret, also known as the American polecat or prairie dog hunter, is a species of mustelid native to central North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Island fox</span> Species of fox

The island fox is a small fox species that is endemic to six of the eight Channel Islands of California. There are six subspecies, each unique to the island it lives on, reflecting its evolutionary history. They are generally docile, show little fear of humans, and are easily tamed. Island foxes played an important role in the spiritual lives of native Channel Islanders. They have been likely semi-domesticated as pets, used as pelts, or for other functions, like pest control.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bat-eared fox</span> Species of carnivorans

The bat-eared fox is a species of fox found on the African savanna. It is the only extant species of the genus Otocyon and considered a basal canid species. Fossil records indicate this canid first appeared during the middle Pleistocene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kit fox</span> Species of fox native to North America

The kit fox is a fox species that inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico. These foxes are the smallest of the four species of Vulpes occurring in North America and are among the smallest of the vulpines worldwide. It has also been called a North American counterpart of the fennec fox due to its large ears.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bengal fox</span> Species of carnivore

The Bengal fox, also known as the Indian fox, is a fox endemic to the Indian subcontinent from the Himalayan foothills and Terai of Nepal through southern India, and from southern and eastern Pakistan to eastern India and southeastern Bangladesh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cape fox</span> Species of carnivore

The Cape fox, also called the asse, cama fox or the silver-backed fox, is a small species of fox, native to southern Africa. It is also called a South African version of a fennec fox due to its similarly big ears. It is the only "true fox" occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, and it retains primitive characteristics of Vulpes because it diverged early in the evolutionary history of the group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gray fox</span> Species of canid (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)

The gray fox, or grey fox, is an omnivorous mammal of the family Canidae, widespread throughout North America and Central America. This species and its only congener, the diminutive island fox of the California Channel Islands, are the only living members of the genus Urocyon, which is considered to be genetically basal to all other living canids. Its species name cinereoargenteus means "ashen silver".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ethiopian wolf</span> Canine native to Ethiopian Highlands

The Ethiopian wolf, also called the red jackal, the Simien jackal or Simien fox, is a canine native to the Ethiopian Highlands. In southeastern Ethiopia, it is also known as the horse jackal. It is similar to the coyote in size and build, and is distinguished by its long and narrow skull, and its red and white fur. Unlike most large canids, which are widespread, generalist feeders, the Ethiopian wolf is a highly specialised feeder of Afroalpine rodents with very specific habitat requirements. It is one of the world's rarest canids, and Africa's most endangered carnivore.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Woylie</span> Species of marsupial

The woylie or brush-tailed bettong is a small, critically endangered mammal native to forests and shrubland of Australia. A member of the rat-kangaroo family (Potoroidae), it moves by hopping and is active at night, digging for fungi to eat. It is also a marsupial and carries its young in a pouch. Once widespread, the woylie mostly died out from habitat loss and introduced predators such as foxes. It is currently restricted to two small areas in Western Australia. There were two subspecies: B. p. ogilbyi in the west, and the now-extinct B. p. penicillata in the southeast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blanford's fox</span> Species of carnivore

Blanford's fox is a small fox native to the Middle East and Central Asia. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corsac fox</span> Species of carnivore

The corsac fox, also known simply as a corsac, is a medium-sized fox found in steppes, semi-deserts and deserts in Central Asia, ranging into Mongolia and northern China. Since 2004, it has been classified as least concern by IUCN, but populations fluctuate significantly, and numbers can drop tenfold within a single year. It is also known as the steppe fox. The word "corsac" is derived from the Russian name for the animal, "korsák" (корса́к), derived ultimately from Turkic "karsak".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mammals of Glacier National Park (U.S.)</span>

There are at least 14 large mammal and 50 small mammal species known to occur in Glacier National Park.

Milk River Natural Area is a provincially designated protected area in the southeastern corner of the province of Alberta, Canada, approximately 160 km south of the city of Medicine Hat. It lies primarily in the County of Forty Mile with a small portion in southwest Cypress County. On the Alberta Township System (ATS) grid it is located in portions of Township 1, Range 5 and 6, and Township 2, Range 6, west of the Fourth Meridian.

References

  1. 1 2 Wozencraft, W. C. (2005). "Order Carnivora". In Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 532–628. ISBN   978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC   62265494.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Moehrenschlager, A.; Sovada, M. (2016). "Vulpes velox". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2016: e.T23059A57629306. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T23059A57629306.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  3. ↑ Caire, William (1989). The Mammals of Oklahoma . The University of Oklahoma Press. pp.  30, 288-291. ISBN   978-0806122175.
  4. ↑ Dragoo, Jerry W.; Choate, Jerry R.; Yates, Terry L.; O'Farrell, Thomas P. (August 28, 1990). "Evolutionary and Taxonomic Relationships among North American Arid-Land Foxes". Journal of Mammalogy. 71 (3): 318–332. doi:10.2307/1381942. JSTOR   1381942 . Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  5. ↑ Mercure, Alan; Ralls, Katherine; Koepfli, Klaus P.; Wayne, Robert K. (1993). "Genetic Subdivisions among Small Canids: Mitochondrial DNA Differentiation of Swift, Kit, and Arctic Foxes". Evolution. 47 (5): 1313–1328. doi:10.2307/2410150. JSTOR   2410150. PMID   28564903.
  6. ↑ Sheldon, Jennifer W. (1992). Wild dogs: the natural history of the non-domestic Canidae. San Diego: Academic Press. pp. 176–182. ISBN   9781483263694.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Defenders of Wildlife. "Swift fox – Defenders of Wildlife". Archived from the original on 2007-08-04. Retrieved 2008-04-21.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Resmer, Karen. "Vulpes velox" . Retrieved 2008-04-17.
  9. ↑ "History of Accomplishments". Cochrane Ecological Institute captive breeding and reintroduction program in Canada.
  10. 1 2 3 "Swift Fox". Alberta Environment and Parks. Archived from the original on 2018-09-26. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
  11. ↑ "Swift Fox Recovery and Translocations – Wildlife Preservation Canada". wildlifepreservation.ca.
  12. ↑ "Species at risk – Swift fox". Species at Risk Public Registry. 2008-04-25. Archived from the original on 2013-06-10. Retrieved March 16, 2009.
  13. 1 2 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "Swift fox – Main Page". Archived from the original on 16 May 2008. Retrieved 18 June 2008.
  14. ↑ Butler, Andrew (June 9, 2019). "Winter movement behavior by swift foxes (Vulpes velox) at the northern edge of their range". Canadian Journal of Zoology. 97 (10): 922–929. doi: 10.1139/cjz-2018-0272 .
  15. ↑ Sillero-Zubiri, Claudio; Hoffman, Michael; and MacDonald, David W. (2004) Canids: Foxes, Wolves, Jackals, and Dogs: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN. p. 112.
  16. 1 2 Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. "Swift fox" . Retrieved 22 June 2008.
  17. ↑ "Siwft Fox (Vulpes velox)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 22 June 2008.
  18. ↑ Kitchen, Ann M.; Gese, Eric M.; Waits, Lisette P.; Karki, Seija M.; Schauster, Edward R. (2006). "Multiple breeding strategies in the swift fox, Vulpes velox". Animal Behaviour. 71 (5): 1029–1038. doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2005.06.015. S2CID   20780520.
  19. 1 2 Kamler, Jan F; Ballard, Warren B.; Gese, Eric M.; Harrison, Robert L.; Karki, Seija; Mote, Kevin (2004). "Adult male emigration and a female-based social organization in swift foxes, Vulpes velox". Animal Behaviour. 67 (4): 699–702. doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2003.08.012. S2CID   41400769.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.