Swift Fox
Facts
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LC
Status
Least Concern
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Scientific Name
Vulpes velox
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Height
12 inches
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Weight
5-7 pounds
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Length
23-34 inches
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Habitats
Short- and mixed-grass prairies of the Great Plains of North America
Although historically common and widely distributed in short- and mixed-grass prairies of the Great Plains, swift foxes have experienced significant population declines and are now estimated to occupy less than half of their historic range in the United States. In the face of this enormous decline, a multi-stakeholder, comprehensive approach is required to restore swift fox populations across the Northern Great Plains and beyond. Collaboration among tribal communities, universities, conservation organizations, state and government agencies, and private landowners is essential for the swift fox to make a viable comeback.
- Places
- Habitats
Why They Matter
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Where present, swift foxes are indicators an intact grassland ecosystem. Conserving habitat for and populations of swift foxes benefits other wildlife species that share similar habitat, such as prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and grassland birds.
Threats
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Extinction Risk Least Concern
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EX
Extinct
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died
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EW
Extinct in the Wild
Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population
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CR
Critically Endangered
Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the Wild
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EN
Endangered
Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
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VU
Vulnerable
Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
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NT
Near Threatened
Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
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LC
Least Concern
Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened
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EX
WWF put collars on these foxes to track species population and distribution.
Current threats to swift foxes include lack of suitable habitat, predation by coyotes, and vehicle collisions.
What WWF Is Doing
To ensure the long-term survival and stability of swift fox populations range-wide, WWF works with a diverse group of stakeholders on three priorities:
- Determining the current swift fox distribution in the Northern Great Plains.
- Monitoring the status of swift fox populations in the Northern Great Plains.
- Identifying areas for potential reintroductions to connect swift fox populations.
Kristy Bly
Senior Wildlife Conservation Biologist, Northern Great Plains Program
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