Cascade red fox

Cascade red fox
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Carnivora
Family:Canidae
Genus:Vulpes
Species: V. vulpes
Subspecies: V. v. cascadensis
Trinomial name
Vulpes vulpes cascadensis
Merriam, 1900

The Cascade red fox (Vulpes vulpes cascadensis) is a subspecies of red fox native to Washington.

Range

The range of the Cascade red fox is estimated to be 4500 km2, but may be as large as 40000 km2.[1] It lives in the subalpine meadows and parklands of the Cascade Mountains, as well as the open forests on the eastern slope. It does not however inhabit the densely forested western slope.[2] It may inhabit the very southern parts of British Columbia.

North American colonization

The ancestors of the Cascade red fox colonized North America after crossing the Bering landbridge during the Illinoian glacation over 300,000 years ago.[3] During the Wisconsin glaciation, they were pushed south to escape to ice free forests. From that point, they adapted to the colder climate and became distinct. After the glaciation, they moved up into the mountains where conditions were similar.

Current status

The Cascade red fox is a Natural Heritage Critically Imperiled Species, as well as a Washington Candidate Species for protection.[1][4] Surveys have suggested that there has been widespread population loss. The number of populations seems to be less than 5.[5] Population trends may be because of habitat loss, timber removal, and increased winter recreation that provides pathways for other less adapted predators to enter alpine areas. Lack of information has made conservation efforts much harder.

See also

A Cascade Red Fox at Mt Rainier NP in December

References

  1. 1 2 Fleckenstein, J.W. "Vulpes vulpes cascadensis - Merriam, 1900", NatureServe, 20 September 2011. Retrieved on 10 December 2017.
  2. ↑ Aubry, Keith Baker. "The Cascade red fox: distribution, morphology, zoogeoraphy and ecology", University of Washington, 26 May 1983. Retrieved on 10 December 2017.
  3. ↑ Akins, Jocelyn. "Conservation Status of the Cascade Red Fox" National Park Service Retrieved on 10 December 2017.
  4. ↑ "Cascade Red Fox" Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Retrieved on 10 December 2017.
  5. ↑ "Vulpes vulpes cascadensis" Encyclopedia of Life Retrieved on 10 December 2017.
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