The world population of Arctic foxes is in the order of several hundred thousand animals. Most populations fluctuate widely in numbers between years. In most areas, however, population status is believed to be stable. On some Aleutian Islands in Alaska, non-native Arctic foxes are being eradicated to aid bird conservation efforts. However, the Scandinavian mainland population is Endangered, despite being legally protected from hunting for several decades. The estimate of the adult population in all of Norway, Sweden, and Finland combined is fewer than 200 individuals.
Climate change and warming tundra habitats threaten Arctic foxes. As the arctic regions warm, their tundra habitat is at risk of transforming into unsuitable boreal forest habitat. Because of the change in the Arctic fox’s native environment, Red foxes have started to encroach on Arctic fox territory. Climate change also reduces how long winters are, causing declines in the populations of small mammals - like voles and lemmings - which are the main source of food for Arctic foxes.
Another threat Arctic foxes face is illegal poaching and wildlife trafficking for the pet trade. Hunting for fur has long been a major mortality factor for the Arctic fox. With the decline of the fur hunting industry, the threat of over-exploitation is lowered for most Arctic fox populations. So, in areas where the Arctic fox is not threatened, the species is the single most important terrestrial game species in the Arctic. Legal hunting helps to keep their high population (in some areas) well managed. In areas where the Arctic fox is threatened, hunting is illegal.
Legal conservation efforts include particular conservation actions taken by organizations which make government policy to protect all species on earth. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Status is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Arctic foxes are listed as “Least Concern,” which means the species is widespread and abundant in the wild.
