Cascade red fox
| Cascade red fox | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Canidae |
| Genus: | Vulpes |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | V. v. cascadensis
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| Trinomial name | |
| Vulpes vulpes cascadensis Merriam, 1900
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The Cascade red fox (Vulpes vulpes cascadensis) is a subspecies of red fox native to Washington in the United States.
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 glaciation 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.[citation needed] 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.[citation needed] Lack of information has made conservation efforts much harder.
See also
References
- ^ a b Fleckenstein, J.W. "Vulpes vulpes cascadensis - Merriam, 1900", NatureServe, 20 September 2011. Retrieved on 10 December 2017.
- ^ Aubry, Keith Baker. "The Cascade red fox: distribution, morphology, zoogeoraphy and ecology", University of Washington, 26 May 1983. Retrieved on 10 December 2017.
- ^ Akins, Jocelyn. "Conservation Status of the Cascade Red Fox" National Park Service Retrieved on 10 December 2017.
- ^ "Cascade Red Fox" Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Retrieved on 10 December 2017.
- ^ "Vulpes vulpes cascadensis" Encyclopedia of Life Retrieved on 10 December 2017.