If we stop now, they're gone forever: The Nordic countries breeding Arctic foxes
Arctic foxes were once on the brink of extinction in Sweden, Norway, and Finland due to overhunting, but efforts to breed and feed them are offering hope for their recovery. On the Norwegian alpine tundra, as summer fades into early autumn and the winds howl across the fells, the Arctic foxes remain nestled in their dens, protected from the harsh elements.
They're not stupid, says biologist Craig Jackson, who is busy preparing food for the foxes. Using a butcher’s knife, Jackson chops up frozen dog food, preparing the meal for the animals under his care. Along with his colleague Kristine Ulvund, he walks past eight enclosures, carefully placing chunks of meat into buckets to ensure the foxes are fed.
At times, when the wind dies down, Jackson and Ulvund stand quietly, watching the young foxes play across the tundra. The animals, oblivious to the challenges they face, frolic freely as they strengthen their bonds and grow. However, their future is far from secure, as the survival of the Fennoscandian population of Arctic foxes remains fragile, dependent on ongoing conservation efforts.
In recent decades, intensive conservation programs have been launched to help the Arctic fox recover from the brink of extinction in the region. These programs involve breeding and reintroducing foxes to the wild, as well as providing supplemental food to support their survival. The Arctic foxes were once abundant across the northern territories of Europe, but overhunting, coupled with climate change and habitat destruction, decimated their numbers.
One of the most critical challenges the Arctic fox faces is the competition with the red fox, which has expanded its range due to warmer temperatures. Red foxes are more adaptable to changing conditions and have displaced Arctic foxes from many areas. This competition, coupled with the loss of habitat and food sources, has put immense pressure on the native Arctic fox population.
However, with continued conservation efforts, including the provision of food and shelter, there is a glimmer of hope. The young foxes being raised in captivity and reintroduced to the wild are part of a carefully managed plan to ensure that this unique species can once again thrive in its native habitats. The success of these programs could ultimately help secure the future of Arctic foxes in the wild, allowing them to reclaim their place in the Nordic landscape.
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