Organism of Choice: Alopex lagopus (the Arctic Fox)
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Organism Description
Alopex lagopus, the Arctic Fox, is a small carnivorous fox that makes its habitat in the cold Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The Arctic Fox has several adaptations that allow it to thrive in its preferred Arctic habitat. In order to conserve energy in the frigid winter months, the Arctic Fox maintains a lower metabolic rate and lower body temperature in winter. It also develops a thick, white winter coat (warmest of any mammal) that provides excellent insulation and camouflage. Another physical adaptation of the Arctic Fox is a reduced surface area exposed to the cold, which is achieved by its short legs, muzzle, and ears. This, as well as an adapted counter-current heat exchange system, ensures less heat escaping from its body, which allows the Arctic Fox to comfortably travel around the harsh Arctic tundra.
The Arctic Fox’s main diet is lemmings and small birds. In fact, the reproductive success of the Arctic Fox generally depends on the success of the lemmings. If lemmings are thriving in a particular season, chances are the Arctic Fox will have a larger litter born and will be able to survive longer. If the lemming population is consistently scarce, however, the effects could be devastating for Arctic Fox populations.
The preferred habitat of the Arctic Fox, the Arctic Tundra, is very vulnerable to climate change. If rapid climate change occurs and the biodiversity of the Arctic is gradually lost, warmer climate conditions will greatly improve the living conditions of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the most dangerous competitor of the Arctic Fox. In some areas, Arctic Fox populations have already been decimated by the normally uncommon interactions between these two fox species. The red fox is larger and more aggressive, and can easily out compete the Arctic Fox in warmer climate conditions where the Arctic Fox is not protected by its preferred Arctic climate.
Currently, according to Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Arctic Fox is not a species at risk. In Scandinavia, however, the Arctic Fox is considered endangered and is in danger of becoming extinct. It’s current population only in the hundreds, the Arctic Fox is in dire need of protection in northern Scandinavia.
References
University of Troms. "How Will Climate Change Affect Arctic Predators?" ScienceDaily 28 May 2007. 12 July 2008 <http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2007/05/070527193944.htm>.
Owen, James. “Arctic Fox May Be Left Behind By Warming, Study Suggests.” 9 April 2007. 12 July 2008 < http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/04/070409-arctic-foxes.html>.
"Arctic Fox." National Geographic. 12 July 2008 <http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/arctic-fox.html>.