Problem
Threatened species of Vulpes velox
Other Names:
Threatened species of Swift foxKit fox
Prairie fox
Nature:
Swift foxes are so unsuspicious that they are easily trapped, and even more easily poisoned. Consequently, wherever trappers are active, and especially wherever control campaigns involving the use of poison have been carried out against predatory animals on areas inhabited by swift foxes, the foxes have been greatly reduced in number or entirely eliminated. Habitat loss due to agricultural, industrial and urban development is also a threat. Dens have been ploughed over and native grasses replaced with tall cereal crops that are unsuitable for foxes or their food.
Incidence:
Vulpes velox was extinct in all of Canada until about two decades ago when attempts were first made to reintroduce them. The Swift fox disappeared entirely from Canada in the early 1900s. Reintroduction programmes in the last 15 years have established a small population of 150-200 in the southern prairies of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Vulpes velox is considered as a "Lower Risk" sub-category "conservation dependent" by the IUCN. CITES lists the species as "Appendix 1".
Broader Problems:
Threatened species of Fox Organizations:
IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group Subject(s):
Geography → Land type/useSocietal Problems → Endangered species
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
24.09.2020 – 00:52 CEST