Trans-Caucasian fox
| Trans-Caucasian fox Kurdistan red fox | |
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| Trans-Caucasian fox in Bismil, Diyarbakır Province, Turkey, 2011 | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Suborder: | Caniformia |
| Family: | Canidae |
| Subfamily: | Caninae |
| Genus: | Vulpes |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | V. v. kurdistanica
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| Trinomial name | |
| Vulpes vulpes kurdistanica (Satunin, 1906)
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The Trans-Caucasian fox (Vulpes vulpes kurdistanica)[a] is a subspecies of the red fox. It is primarily found in Kurdistan and the Armenian highlands, with additional populations throughout parts of Anatolia in Turkey and parts of Iran.
This subspecies is a specialized adaptation to the environmental conditions of the geographical Kurdistan region, which spans Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Syria. Its distinctive features include a red or greyish-red fur coat, a bushy tail, and an omnivorous diet. Notably, the specific characteristics and behaviors of the fox can exhibit slight variations depending on its specific habitat within Kurdistan.
Name
[edit]This red fox subspecies is known as Vulpes vulpes kurdistanica and sometimes called the Kurdistan red fox.[1] However, in Turkey, it is known only as Vulpes vulpes due to efforts by the Turkish government to rename animal species that mention Kurdistan or Armenia, claiming that such names were given to these animals as part of a plot of "ill intentions" against Turkish unity.[2] Turkey's political atmosphere is sensitive with regard to Kurds and Armenians because of the Kurdish–Turkish conflict (and denial of Kurdish people by Turkey) and the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide, respectively.
Range
[edit]Despite its name, the species is not confined to Kurdish-inhabited areas, appearing near Ankara and Elazığ in Turkey and also near Sulaymaniyah in Iraq.[1]
Description
[edit]It is a small animal with rusty-red fur and white underparts, chin, and throat. The ears are prominent and the tail is long and bushy with a white tip. The backs of the ears, lower legs, and the feet are black. The fox goes through colour phases of black, silver, and mixed.[3] 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). It has a life expectancy of around seven years in the wild and around fifteen years in human captivity.[4]
Notes
[edit]- ^ Kurmanji Kurdish: Roviyê sor ê Kurdistanê; Sorani Kurdish: ڕێویی سووری کوردستانی
See also
[edit]References
[edit]
- ^ a b "Kurdistan red fox - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
- ^ "Turkey renames 'divisive' animals". BBC: British Broadcasting Corporation. 8 March 2005. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
- ^ "America's Wildlife Resource". eNature. Retrieved 2013-09-01.
- ^ "Red Fox". The Animal Files. Retrieved 2013-09-01.