The future of the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus): the impact of conservation measures on long-term survival

The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is a species adapted to arctic and subarctic environments. Over the past century, the population in Fennoscandia has declined drastically due to human activity, a trend that has been exacerbated by climate change, altered food availability, and increased competition from the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The species is currently classified as endangered (EN) in Fennoscandia. To counteract this trend, supplementary feeding, release of individuals from captive breeding programs, and red fox control have been implemented as conservation measures in the region. The aim of the study was to examine how these measures affect the Arctic fox’s future population development and risk of extinction. A population viability analysis (PVA) showed that the combination of supplementary feeding and the release of individuals was most effective in supporting population growth, with supplementary feeding being the single most effective measure. When red fox impact was included, the effectiveness of the measures was significantly reduced. The phasing out of releases demonstrated that continued conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the long-term survival of the species. Future research should focus on the potential impact of climate change on food availability and red fox predation. Continued conservation efforts involving supplementary feeding, releases, and red fox control are essential to ensure a viable population in Fennoscandia.