The Arctic fox population in Iceland is in decline for the very first time since monitoring began in 1979, reports Vísir.is. The arctic fox is the only species of land mammal native to Iceland.
Read more: Five Icelandic fox cubs find new homes in Scandinavian zoos
The arctic fox population had been growing quite steadily up until 2010. However, a report from Icelandic Institute of Natural History shows that the fox population has shrunk by one-thirds over the past four years. According to the report the population dropped both in areas where hunting is allowed and in nature reserves such as Hornstrandir, northern Westfjords, where the fox is protected.
The reasons for the decline are believed to be climate change, lack of prey and perhaps even pollution.
Below is a chart showing the increase and sudden decrease in the fox population.
The Arctic fox population in Iceland is in decline for the very first time since monitoring began in 1979, reports Vísir.is. The arctic fox is the only species of land mammal native to Iceland.
Read more: Five Icelandic fox cubs find new homes in Scandinavian zoos
The arctic fox population had been growing quite steadily up until 2010. However, a report from Icelandic Institute of Natural History shows that the fox population has shrunk by one-thirds over the past four years. According to the report the population dropped both in areas where hunting is allowed and in nature reserves such as Hornstrandir, northern Westfjords, where the fox is protected.
The reasons for the decline are believed to be climate change, lack of prey and perhaps even pollution.
Below is a chart showing the increase and sudden decrease in the fox population.
