Arctic foxes are one of the many species who are struggling to survive as the Earth’s climate warms. As the sea ice that they rely on for hunting disappears they are increasingly forced onto land where they compete with other species—including the red fox—for food and shelter. Scientists estimate that the arctic fox populations in Norway and Sweden have declined by as much as 95 percent since the early 1900s.
There are a number of reasons why climate change is particularly hard on arctic foxes. For one they have a very limited diet. In the wild their diet consists almost entirely of lemmings voles and other small rodents—all of which are themselves struggling to adapt to a changing climate. As the sea ice melts and their hunting grounds disappear arctic foxes are forced to travel further and further to find food. This not only makes it harder for them to find enough to eat but also makes them more vulnerable to predators.
In addition to their limited diet arctic foxes also suffer from the indirect effects of climate change. As the ice melts and the water warms more and more arctic cod are moving into the foxes’ territory. These fish compete with the foxes for food and they also prey on the foxes’ favorite food—lemmings.
The loss of sea ice also affects the arctic foxes’ breeding habits. In the summer female foxes den on the ice to give birth and raise their young. As the ice melts earlier and forms later in the year female foxes are forced to choose between giving birth on the ice—where their young are vulnerable to predators and the elements—or on land where they are more likely to be killed by other foxes.
All of these factors add up to a perfect storm for the arctic fox. As the climate continues to warm their populations are likely to decline even further. Unless something is done to help them adapt to their changing environment they could eventually disappear entirely.
Why is the arctic fox going extinct?
The arctic fox is going extinct because of climate change and human activity.
What is the main reason for the arctic fox’s decline?
The main reason for the arctic fox’s decline is climate change.
How does climate change affect the arctic fox?
Climate change affects the arctic fox by making their habitat smaller and causing food shortages.
What other factors are contributing to the arctic fox’s decline?
Other factors that are contributing to the arctic fox’s decline are human activity and disease.
How does human activity affect the arctic fox?
Human activity affects the arctic fox by destroying their habitat and causing them to be hunted.
What is the biggest threat to the arctic fox?
The biggest threat to the arctic fox is climate change.
What will happen if the arctic fox goes extinct?
If the arctic fox goes extinct it will have a negative impact on the arctic ecosystem.
How can we help the arctic fox?
We can help the arctic fox by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and protecting their habitat.
What can we do to prevent the arctic fox from going extinct?
We can prevent the arctic fox from going extinct by taking action to reduce climate change and by protecting their habitat.
What is the outlook for the arctic fox?
The outlook for the arctic fox is not good.
Unless we take action to reduce climate change and protect their habitat they are likely to go extinct.
How many arctic foxes are left?
The exact number of arctic foxes left is unknown but it is thought to be declining.
Where do arctic foxes live?
Arctic foxes live in the arctic regions of the world.
What is the arctic fox’s scientific name?
The arctic fox’s scientific name is Alopex lagopus.
What does the arctic fox look like?
The arctic fox is a small white fox with black eyes and ears.
What is the arctic fox’s diet?
The arctic fox’s diet consists of small mammals birds and insects.
