Carnivore Combo

Red Fox

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Vulpes vulpes

most common location: Northern Hemisphere

CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern

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The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the largest of the true foxes and the most abundant wild member of the Carnivora, being present across the entire Northern Hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to North Africa, North America and Eurasia. It is listed as least concern by the IUCN.

Its range has increased alongside human expansion, having been introduced to Australia, where it is considered harmful to native mammals and bird populations. Due to its presence in Australia, it is included among the list of the “world’s 100 worst invasive species”. [credits: Wikipedia]

Serval

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Leptailurus serval

most common location: South Africa

CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern

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The serval /ˈsɜːrvəl/ (Leptailurus serval), also known as the tierboskat, is a wild cat found in Africa. The sole member of the genus Leptailurus, it was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1776. Eighteen subspecies are recognised. The serval is a slender, medium-sized cat that stands 54–62 centimetres (21–24 in) at the shoulder and weighs 8–18 kilograms (18–40 lb). It is characterised by a small head, large ears, a golden-yellow to buff coat spotted and striped with black, and a short, black-tipped tail. The serval has the longest legs of any cat relative to its body size. [credits: Wikipedia]

Striped Skunk

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Mephitis mephitis

most common location: North America

CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern

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The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is a skunk of the genus Mephitis that is native to southern Canada, the United States and northern Mexico. It is currently listed as least concern by the IUCN on account of its wide range and ability to adapt to human-modified environments.

It is a polygamous omnivore with few natural predators, save for birds of prey.^[3] The striped skunk has a long history of association with humans, having been trapped and captively bred for its fur and kept as an exotic pet.^[5] It is one of the most recognizable of North America’s animals, and is a popular figure in cartoons and children’s books. [Credit: Wikipedia]

Boa Constrictor

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Boa constrictor

most common location: North & South America

CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern

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The boa constrictor, also called red-tailed boa, is a species of large, heavy-bodied snake. It is a member of the family Boidae found in North, Central, and South America, as well as some islands in the Caribbean

A staple of private collections and public displays, its color pattern is highly variable yet distinctive. Ten subspecies are currently recognized, although some of these are controversial. This article focuses on the species Boa constrictor as a whole, but also specifically on the nominate subspecies B. c. constrictor. [credits: Wikipedia]

Arctic Fox

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Vulpes lagopus

most common location: Arctic Circle

CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern

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The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), also known as the white fox, polar fox, or snow fox, is a small fox native to the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and common throughout the Arctic tundra biome. It is well adapted to living in cold environments, and is best known for its thick, warm fur that is also used as camouflage. On average, Arctic foxes only live 3–4 years in the wild. Its body length ranges from 46 to 68 cm (18 to 27 in), with a generally rounded body shape to minimize the escape of body heat.

The Arctic fox preys on many small creatures such as lemmings, voles, ringed seal pups, fish, waterfowl, and seabirds. It also eats carrion, berries, seaweed, and insects and other small invertebrates. Arctic foxes form monogamous pairs during the breeding season and they stay together to raise their young in complex underground dens. Occasionally, other family members may assist in raising their young. Natural predators of the Arctic fox are the red fox, golden eagles, wolverines, wolves, and grizzly bears. [Credit: Wikipedia]