Trans-Caucasian fox

The Trans-Caucasian fox (Vulpes vulpes kurdistanica) is a subspecies of the red fox, found in the 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)

Name
Main article: Animal name changes in Turkey

This species is known as Vulpes vulpes kurdistanica and sometimes Kurdistan red fox.[2] The Turkish government removed the word Kurdistan from the name and recognized the subspecies as Vulpes vulpes for nationalistic reasons.[3]

Range

This fox lives in northeast part of Turkey, Kars district in Western Transcaucasia (extreme North-Eastern Asia Minor).[4] 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.[5]

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 in) in length without its tail. Tail ranges 32–49 cm (13–19 in). Weight approximately 3–11 kg (6.6–24.3 lb). Life Expectancy seven years (in the wild) 15 years (in captivity)[6]

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. "Kurdistan red fox - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  3. "Turkey renames 'divisive' animals". BBC: British Broadcasting Corporation. 8 March 2005. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  4. "Subspecies Sheet | Mammals'Planet". Planet-mammiferes.org. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  5. "America's Wildlife Resource". eNature. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
  6. "Red Fox". The Animal Files. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
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