| Cascade red fox | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Canidae |
| Genus: | Vulpes |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | V. v. cascadensis |
| Trinomial name | |
| Vulpes vulpes cascadensis Merriam, 1900 | |
TheCascade red fox (Vulpes vulpes cascadensis) is an endangered subspecies ofred foxendemic to the state ofWashington in theUnited States.
The ancestors of the Cascade red fox colonizedNorth America after crossing theBering landbridge during theIllinoian glaciation over 300,000 years ago.[2] During theWisconsin 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.[2]
They prey on small mammals and birds living only in the mountains. Due to this, they have an ecology distinct from lowland red foxes.[2]
The range of the Cascade red fox is estimated to be 4,500 square kilometres (1,700 sq mi) but may be as large as 40,000 square kilometres (15,000 sq mi).[3] It lives in the subalpine meadows and parklands of theCascade Mountains, as well as the open forests on the eastern slope. It does not however inhabit the densely forested western slope.[4] It may inhabit the very southern parts ofBritish Columbia. Recent surveys have suggested that they are becoming rarer. This might be due to habitat loss fromclimate change,logging, and increased recreation in winter allowing other predators such ascoyotes and lowland red foxes to enter their habitat.[2] Some populations might have gone extinct. The current number of individuals seems to be around 50.[5][1]
The Cascade red fox is a Natural Heritage Critically Imperiled Species, as well as a Washington Endangered Species.[3][6] Lack of information has made conservation efforts much harder.[2]
