The Swift Fox (Vulpes velox) lives in Saskatchewan and Alberta in Canada and the western grasslands of North America. It is indeed rather swift, reaching speeds of more than 50 kilometers per hour. The Swift Fox is severely endangered and scientists disagree whether the Swift fox and the Kit Fox are different species. The Kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) is slightly larger than the Swift Fox, and the Swift Fox has a narrower snout. Molecular systematics (the study of both DNA) support that the two species are different. They are primary nocturnal and live in pairs. Swift foxes choose their partner for life. The pups are born in underground dens in which they remain for about one month. The first 15 days their eyes are closed, so they rely totally on their mother for food and protection.
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The Swift fox is listed as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Namings for the swift fox
A young / baby of a swift fox is called a 'cub, kit or pup'. The females are called 'vixen' and males 'reynard, todd or dog'. A swift fox group is called a 'leash or skulk'.Swift fox habitats
Arable Land, Artificial / Terrestrial, Grassland, Pastureland and Temperate GrasslandSome facts about the
Swift fox
Adult weight : 2.4 kg (5.28 lbs)
Maximum longevity : 16 years
Female maturity :365 days
Male maturity : 365 days
Gestation : 55 days
Weaning : 46 days
Litter size : 5
Litters per year : 1
Interval between litters : 365 days
Weight at birth : 0.04 kg (0.088 lbs)
Basal metabolic rate : 5 W
Body mass : 1.769 kg (3.8918 lbs)
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