Trans-Caucasian fox

The Trans-Caucasian fox (Vulpes vulpes kurdistanica) is a subspecies of the red fox, found in northeast part of Turkey.[1]

Trans-Caucasian fox
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Vulpes
Species:
V. vulpes
Subspecies:
V. v. kurdistanica
Trinomial name
Vulpes vulpes kurdistanica
(Satunin, 1906)

The Turkish government recognizes the subspecies as Vulpes vulpes for nationalistic reasons.[2]

Range

This fox lives in northeast part of Turkey, Kars district in Western Transcaucasia (extreme North-Eastern Asia Minor).[3] This small, doglike animal is rusty-red with white underparts, chin and throat. The ears are prominent and the tail is long and bushy with a white tip. Backs of the ears, lower legs and the feet are black. The fox goes through colour phases of black, silver, and mixed.[4]

Description

This small, doglike animal is rusty-red with white underparts, chin and throat. The ears are prominent and the tail is long and bushy with a white tip. Backs of the ears, lower legs and the feet are black. The fox goes through color phases of black, silver, and mixed. This fox subspecies ranges 58 – 90 cm (23 - 35 inches) in length without its tail. Tail ranges 32 – 49 cm (12.5 - 19.5 inches). Weight approximately 3 – 11 kg (6.5 - 24 lbs). Life Expectancy seven years (in the wild) 15 years (in captivity)[5]

References
  1. Heptner, V. G.; Naumov, N. P. (1998). Mammals of the Soviet Union Vol. II Part 1a, Sirenia and Carnivora (Sea cows; Wolves and Bears). Science Publishers, Inc. USA. p. 499. ISBN 978-1-886106-81-9.
  2. "Turkey renames 'divisive' animals". BBC: British Broadcasting Corporation. 8 March 2005. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  3. "Subspecies Sheet | Mammals'Planet". Planet-mammiferes.org. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  4. "America's Wildlife Resource". eNature. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  5. "Red Fox". The Animal Files. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
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