Red fox

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the world’s most widely distributed carnivore!

David Mark


Red fox

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Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the world’s most widely distributed carnivore!

Population

Stands as the largest fox species globally, it is renowned for its adaptability and dynamic range of fur colors, which can vary from brown to black to the iconic amber-red hue from which it derives its name. This remarkable species boasts a combination of physical prowess and cunning intelligence, making it a formidable predator and survivor in diverse habitats.

Despite its name, the red fox’s coat coloration is not always red but can display a spectrum of hues depending on environmental factors and genetic variations. This variability allows red fox populations to blend seamlessly into a range of landscapes, from dense forests to open grasslands, enhancing their ability to conceal themselves from predators and prey alike.

Known for their stealthy and resourceful nature, red foxes exhibit a preference for habitats bordering forests, towns, and countryside, where they can exploit a diverse range of food sources and shelter options. While they are primarily nocturnal hunters, venturing out under the cover of darkness to forage for food, red foxes are also active during the day, particularly in areas with abundant prey populations.

Despite their impressive adaptability and resilience, red foxes face significant threats to their survival, primarily stemming from human activities. In many regions, red foxes are considered pests due to their predation on poultry and small mammals, as well as game birds targeted by hunters. As a result, humans often hunt red foxes, either for pest control purposes or for sport, leading to population declines in some areas.

In response to perceived threats posed by red foxes, some governments have implemented measures to control their numbers, including offering rewards for their elimination. However, such efforts can have unintended consequences, disrupting natural ecosystems and creating imbalances in predator-prey relationships.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Afghanistan
2016
Albania
2016
Algeria
2016
Andorra
2016
Armenia
2016
Australia
2016
Introduced: Tasmania
Austria
2016
Azerbaijan
2016
Bangladesh
2016
Belgium
2016
Bhutan
2016
Bosnia And Herz.
2016
Bulgaria
2016
Canada
2016
Croatia
2016
Cyprus
2016
Czechia
2016
Denmark
2016
Egypt
2016
Estonia
2016
Faroe Islands
2016
Finland
2016
France
2016
Georgia
2016
Germany
2016
Gibraltar
2016
Greece
2016
Greenland
2016
Holy See
2016
Vatican City State
Hungary
2016
Iceland
2016
India
2016
Iran
2016
Iraq
2016
Ireland
2016
Israel
2016
Italy
2016
Japan
2016
Jordan
2016
Kazakhstan
2016
Korea
0
Official estimate
EX
2012
Habitat loss and poaching
Kuwait
2016
Kyrgyzstan
2016
Latvia
2016
Lebanon
2016
Libya
2016
Liechtenstein
2016
Lithuania
2016
Luxembourg
2016
Malta
2016
Monaco
2016
Mongolia
2016
Montenegro
2016
Morocco
2016
Myanmar
2016
Nepal
2016
Netherlands
2016
New Zealand
2016
Introduced
North Korea
2016
North Macedonia
2016
Norway
2016
Oman
2016
Pakistan
2016
Poland
2016
Portugal
2016
Qatar
2016
Romania
2016
Russia
2016
San Marino
2016
Saudi Arabia
2016
Serbia
2016
Slovakia
2016
Slovenia
2016
Spain
2016
Sudan
2016
Svalbard
2016
Sweden
2016
Switzerland
2016
Syria
2016
Tajikistan
2016
Tunisia
2016
Turkey
2016
Turkmenistan
2016
UAE
2016
United Kingdom
2016
United States
2016
Uzbekistan
2016
Yemen
2016

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Get to know me

Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No