![]() Countries and organizations could be motivated to research threats and design precautionary conservation programs for keystone species that are not on the brink of extinction yet, but whose survival is critical for conserving complex ecosystems. The investigation of the threats the arctic fox is facing could spread awareness of the importance of keystone species in all ecosystems and the long-term impacts of its endangerment across arctic biomes. The endangerment of the arctic fox would alter the entire ecosystem, with one effect being the reduced vegetation present and subsequently reduced food availability for primary consumers in the tundra(Graae et al., 2004). The arctic fox fixes nitrogen in the ground around its den, promoting the growth of arctic shrubbery and other vegetation, which provides a source of food for both the arctic fox and many other species in the tundra (Gharajehdaghipour et al., 2016). The arctic fox’s primary role in the arctic ecosystem is as an ecosystem engineer, which means its presence greatly impacts and influences the health of the entire ecosystem. Ámundason, personal communication, November 10, 2020). Although the arctic fox is not currently officially classified as endangered, it does not mean the threats it is facing should not be taken seriously (S. The arctic fox is being severely impacted by climate change in numerous ways, including decreased food supply and habitat loss. The diet of the arctic fox mainly consists of lemmings and leftover seal carcasses abandoned by polar bears on the arctic sea ice (Angerbjörn et al., 1999). ![]() The color change of the fur coat is to help camouflage the fox with its environment, aiding in protection from predators and ease in catching prey. It is a small species with a white or blue/gray coat in the winter and a tan or cream coat in the summer. ![]() The arctic fox (Figure 1) resides primarily in Canada, Scandinavia, Iceland, and Greenland (Angerbjörn & Tannerfeldt, 2014). “ Vulpes lagopus in Iceland” by Jonatan Pie, CC0 1.0 Background This chapter explores the importance of understanding threats to the arctic fox and how it can help other keystone species.įigure 1. After conducting interviews and analyzing many scientific sources, we organized threats facing this species into three categories: food availability, predation, and viable geographic range. Therefore, preventing its endangerment would simultaneously conserve local environments and other arctic species. What can we learn from threats facing the arctic fox ( Vulpes lagopus) to prevent future endangerment of species worldwide? The arctic fox is a keystone species who provides various ecosystem services that both maintain the health and prevent the collapse of the tundra. Tristan Andrew, Chase Beausoleil, Alex Davidson, and Ciara Moroney Abstract
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