There are 24 living species of foxes on this planet. This is why I wasn’t sure where to go with them in regards to a nature post. I knew I had to since people love foxes. Still, it’s a lot to do factoids about all of them even if I split them apart. Instead, I’m just going to post pictures with their conservation status. Foxes that are endangered are in this state due to poaching, loss of habitat, invasive species, climate change, diseases, and use of some pesticides. Some are also in trouble because their populations are so small that their gene pool is limited, which is similar to cheetahs. Not a good situation.
I’m going to start with the smaller genus groups of Canis, Cerdocyon, Otocyon, and Urocyon. That’s because the other two have 6 and 12 members. Now, let’s get to the foxes:
Canis
Ethiopian Wolf- Endangered (Also called Simien Jackal or Simien Fox)
Cerdocyon
Crab-Eating Fox- Least Concern (Also called Forest Fox, Wood Fox, Bushdog, or Maikong)
Otocyon
Bat-Eared Fox- Least Concern (Ears are designed for thermoregulation.)
Urocyon
Gray Fox- Least Concern
Island Fox- Near Threatened (Upgraded from Endangered due to breeding programs.)
Cozumel Fox- Critically Endangered or Extinct (Not seen since 2001 and considered a dwarf version of Island Fox instead of its own species.)
Legends of Windemere 
Great post. We get foxes right in town around here. They’re the normal red variety, but we used to se greys and kit foxes in Nevada.
LikeLike
I remember seeing a gray fox when I was in college. This was Upstate New York. We supposedly have foxes around Long Island, but not in my area. Be cool to see them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know we have foxes, but I think I’ve only seen them once. A red fox, I believe. They are very shy. Geoff LePard posts pictures of a fox or two that visit his garden regularly. I love seeing the pictures.
LikeLike
They really are cool. Seem to be very secretive and elusive too. Must be why they show up in so many mythological stories.
LikeLike
You need to write several foxes into your stories! Maybe a whole family!
LikeLike
If the opportunity arises, I might.
LikeLike
I didn’t know there were so many species, I suppose they all have the characteristic brush tail. Our urban red foxes thrive, they often trot down the road in broad daylight as well as at night. Their chilling cries at night are often mistaken for someone being murdered!
LikeLike
I’ve heard about their cries. Don’t know if the screaming is better or worse than when the cats around here start imitating crying babies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes Charles, the foxes sound worse than the cats!
LikeLike
We have a resident fox who visits our front yard at night. He shows up on the security camera quite often. I enjoyed learning about other foxes and the videos.
LikeLike
That’s really cool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLike
The bat-eared ones are so cute! Almost like Fennec foxes, a similar environment, I’ll get.
LikeLike
I believe their ears are for the same thing too. Heat dispersion.
LikeLike
I live in the country, but I’ve never seen a fox. Probably because they’re scared of my dogs!
LikeLike
That wouldn’t surprise me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That bat eared fox courtship is amazing. The suitor having to ask permission!
Here in the UK we have red foxes. The urban fox is something of a pest. But many people, as you say, like them and put food out. This encourages them to hang around people’s homes.
They tear open dustbin bags, run off with things, like shoes if they’re left outside, or other things to play with. They also carry mange which can be passed onto domestic cats and dogs. I’ve even heard of them entering houses if the door is open.
LikeLike
Foxes do seem to be adaptable to living among humans. At least, in the way that they can survive. They just don’t do it in a way that most people like. Not as if they know the difference though. Survival is survival.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True. It’s not the foxes’ fault. It’s people who encourage them.
LikeLike
Loved this post. Especially taken with the bat-eared fox. We only have ordinary red foxes here in Australia so I was fascinated to learn how many varieties there actually are.
LikeLike
Very cool. Are the red foxes indigenous to Australia? Didn’t think they were.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No! The red fox was imported along with the rabbit so the nobles could have their ‘hunts’ just as they did in merry old England. 🙂
They, along with rabbits, and the cane toad, are all introduced pests. I love foxes as a species, but I acknowledge that they should never have been brought to Australia. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Why do so many of these things come back to the English?
LikeLiked by 2 people
-grin- Because they had some weird hobbies?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely post
LikeLike
Thanks. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome Charles
LikeLike
Wonderful post, Charles!
LikeLike
Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLike