Swift Fox

Species
Swift Fox

Species
Swift Fox

Swift Fox

Top
Facts
Why They Matter
Threats
What WWF is Doing
How You Can Help

Facts

Status
Least Concern
Scientific Name
Vulpes velox
Height
12 inches
Weight
5-7 pounds
Length
23-34 inches
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
Northern Great Plains

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Why They Matter

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

Extinction Risk Least Concern
1. EX
  Extinct
  
  No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died
2. EW
  Extinct in the Wild
  
  Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population
3. CR
  Critically Endangered
  
  Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the Wild
4. EN
  Endangered
  
  Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
5. VU
  Vulnerable
  
  Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
6. NT
  Near Threatened
  
  Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
7. LC
  Least Concern
  
  Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened

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.