The Trans-Caucasian fox [1] (Vulpes vulpes kurdistanica) (Sorani Kurdish: ڕێویی سووری کوردستانی) is a subspecies of the red fox. It's primarily found in the Kurdistan and Armenian highlands, with additional populations in parts of Asia Minor and Iran.
| Kurdistanica (Trans-Caucasian fox) | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Canidae |
| Genus: | Vulpes |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | V. v. kurdistanica
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| Trinomial name | |
| Vulpes vulpes kurdistanica (Satunin, 1906)
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This subspecies, known as "Vulpes vulpes kurdistanica," is a specialized adaptation to the environmental conditions of the Kurdistan region, which spans across Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Syria. Its distinctive features include a red or grayish-red fur coat, a bushy tail, and an omnivorous diet. Notably, the specific characteristics and behaviors of the Vulpes vulpes kurdistanica fox can exhibit slight variations depending on its specific habitat within the Kurdistan region.
Name
editThis species is known as Vulpes vulpes kurdistanica and sometimes Kurdistan red fox.[1] The Turkish government removed the word Kurdistan from the name and recognized the subspecies as Vulpes vulpes for nationalistic reasons.[2]
Range
editDespite its name, the species is not confined to Kurdish-inhabited areas but appeared near Ankara, Elazığ, and also Sulaymaniyah.[1] This small, doglike animal is rusty-red with white underparts, chin and throat. The ears are prominent and the tail is long and bushy with a white tip. Backs of the ears, lower legs and the feet are black. The fox goes through colour phases of black, silver, and mixed.[3]
Description
editThis small, doglike animal is rusty-red with white underparts, chin and throat. The ears are prominent and the tail is long and bushy with a white tip. Backs of the ears, lower legs and the feet are black. The fox goes through color phases of black, silver, and mixed. 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). Life Expectancy seven years (in the wild) 15 years (in captivity)[4]
References
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- ^ 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.