Arctic fox

The Arctic fox lives in some of the harshest regions on Earth, namely the Arctic tundra. It prefers open, cold landscapes without trees, where there is access to small rodents such as lemmings and voles, seabird colonies, carrion, and other seasonal food sources. The Arctic fox digs its dens into dry slopes, often with a good view of the surroundings and ideally close to prey colonies. These dens can be over 100 years old and are used by generations of Arctic foxes.

The Arctic fox is extremely adapted to the cold climate. It has one of the warmest coats of any mammal and can survive temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius. In winter, its fur turns white to blend in with the snow-covered landscape, while in summer it becomes brown or grey to match the tundra. When food is scarce, Arctic foxes are capable of traveling vast distances – some individuals have been tracked covering more than 3,000 kilometers.

Climate change is affecting the Arctic fox’s habitat in several ways. As the Arctic warms, lemming cycles become disrupted, making it harder for the fox to find food. Additionally, the red fox is expanding further north and now competes directly with the Arctic fox for territory and resources.