Red Fox: Master of Adaptation

Chris and Angie explore the red fox, the world’s most widespread and adaptable true fox. They cover how its flexible diet, remarkable senses, seasonal coat and signature mouse-pounce allow it to thrive from Arctic tundra to city streets. The episode also examines its role as both predator and prey, its competition with Arctic foxes, its damaging impact in Australia, family life, conservation and how humans can coexist responsibly with this resourceful canid. Timeline 00:00 Meet the Red Fox 00:45 Why Foxes Thrive Everywhere 04:01 Iconic Looks and Color Morphs 06:34 Size Differences and Bergmann Rule 09:08 Global Range and Australia Invasion 13:37 Ecosystem Role and Urban Adaptation 18:10 Mesopredator Release and Climate Pressure 22:25 Evolution and Fox Family Tree 28:03 Physiology Basics Lifespan Speed Tail 30:58 Scent Glands and Those Unique Eyes 32:00 Cat Eyes Dog Family 32:58 Night Vision Upgrades 34:55 Ears Color Scent 37:01 Whiskers And Coats 40:19 Omnivore Diet Teeth 44:01 Sly Hunting Tricks 46:33 Urban Life And Dens 49:31 Calls Caches Smarts 57:26 Breeding And Kits 01:02:03 Conservation Wins 01:04:27 Coexisting With Foxes 01:05:57 Wrap Up And Support == Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices