The Red Fox (3/5)

Red fox description

The size of a small dog, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the largest member of the genus Vulpes and is well-known for its large bushy tail, which is often tipped with white . The fur is variable in colour , but is usually reddish-brown to flame-red above and white to black below ; the lower limbs and the back of the ears are often black .

Red fox biology

The red fox is typically active at dusk (crepuscular) or at night (nocturnal), but is often active in the day in more undisturbed areas . The diet is extremely broad, and includes small mammals, many invertebrates, and birds, as well as fruit, carrion and items scavenged from dustbins, bird tables and compost heaps .

Red fox range

Distributed throughout the northern hemisphere from the Arctic Circle in the north, as far south as north Africa , including much of North America, all of Europe and most of Asia, including Japan . The red fox is found practically everywhere in mainland Britain, as well as on many islands .

Red fox habitat

This highly adaptable species is found in many habitats, from sand dunes to mountain tops . The red fox also occurs in urban areas , and seems to fare particularly well in affluent suburbs .

Red fox status

The red fox is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List .

Red fox threats

Foxes are perceived as important predators of ground nesting birds, gamebirds, and livestock, and are therefore widely controlled . Most deaths are caused by road accidents, shooting and other methods of control, and secondary poisoning may also be a factor resulting in mortality . Furthermore, foxes are hunted with hounds in Britain; this is a contentious issue .

Red fox conservation

The red fox is legislatively widely regarded as vermin and is therefore unprotected . In Britain, it is protected by closed seasons against hunting . No conservation measures are in place . Research into fox predation and control is being carried out by the Game Conservancy Trust .

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Glossary

Carrion

The flesh of a dead animal.

Invertebrates

Animals with no backbone, such as insects, crustaceans, worms, molluscs, spiders, cnidarians (jellyfish, corals, sea anemones), echinoderms, and others.

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