Mating

Several arctic fox cubs in a den entrance. Photo permission pending.

 

Arctic foxes are almost always form monogamous pairs that are either lifelong or sequential (repairing after one partner dies) (Tannerfeldt & Angerbjorn, 1996). This is likely a result of female distribution, as females are widely scattered enough to make it impossible for a male to guard more than one female at a time. Indeed, it is rare to see more than one female in a a male's home range, though it does happen occasionally (Eide et al., 2004). Reproductive success seems to be determined most by food availability and predictability, and there seem to be two divergent strategies. In areas with lemmings or voles, arctic foxes breed large litters, but only in years when the number of rodents are high. In regions without these animals, small litters at more regular intervals are the norm (Frafjord, 1993).

 

General Information

Food & Hunting

Habitat & Predators

Social Organization & Spacing

Mating

References

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This page was created by Philip Newsom in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Biology 323, Animal Behavior, at Davidson College in the Spring Semester 2007. Please send any comments, questions, or suggestions regarding this web site to Philip or Dr. Verna Case