Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) lives in arctic tundra across Northern Hemisphere. It feeds on lemmings and rodents. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Arctic Fox
- The Arctic fox's winter pelage is exceptionally dense, with about seventy percent of its thickness made up of fine underfur that provides excellent insulation. Its fur is recognised as the best insulation of any mammal, allowing the fox to retain body heat while roaming the Arctic tundra.
- Arctic foxes can produce remarkably large litters, with some reaching up to twenty-five pups, the highest number recorded for any carnivore. Breeding occurs in April and May, after a gestation of about fifty-two days, and the newborns weigh only sixty to ninety grams. Such prolific breeding helps the species offset the high mortality of juveniles in the harsh Arctic environment.
- Even when standing on frozen ground, an Arctic fox can keep its paws above the tissue freezing point of minus one degree Celsius, preventing pain and loss of mobility. This is achieved by increasing blood flow to a capillary network on the surface of the foot pad while constricting vessels deeper in the pad, a counter-current system that conserves heat. The specialised circulation lets the fox remain active on ice and snow without its feet freezing.
- The Arctic fox can locate a polar-bear carcass from up to 40 km away thanks to its powerful olfactory abilities, allowing it to find food sources across the barren tundra. Its nose is also capable of detecting frozen lemmings buried beneath 46-77 cm of snow, enabling winter hunting beneath deep drifts. In addition, the same sense can uncover a sub-nivean seal lair hidden under 150 cm of snow, giving the fox a crucial advantage when prey are concealed by ice.
- During the cold months the Arctic fox grows a winter coat that is twice the length of its summer pelage, providing a long, thick barrier against sub-zero winds. The summer coat is short, while the winter fur becomes dense and multilayered, with a high proportion of fine underfur that gives the species the best insulation of any mammal. This dramatic seasonal change reduces heat loss and helps the fox maintain a stable core temperature despite external extremes.
Sources
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At a glance
RangeNorthern Hemisphere
HabitatArctic tundra
DietLemmings and rodents
About the Arctic Fox
In the frozen tundras, a diminutive monarch of the snows reigns supreme, the Arctic Fox, its thick white coat glistening like freshly fallen snow as it pads silently across the landscape. With an air of quiet confidence, it navigates the harsh, treeless expanse, its piercing yellow eyes scanning the horizon for the slightest hint of movement, ever vigilant for the next meal in this unforgiving yet majestic world. As it moves, its bushy tail leaves a trail of gentle impressions in the powder, a testament to its remarkable adaptability in one of the most inhospitable environments on Earth.
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Arctic Fox photographed on Feravox
