Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Department of History, Politics and International Relations, Webster University in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
2
Medical Sciences Department of Operative Surgery and Topographic Anatomy Samarkand State Medical University, Uzbekistan
3
Department of Pharmaceuticals and Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Alfraganus University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan & Western Caspian University, Scientific researcher, Baku, Azerbaijan
4
Namangan State University, Uzbekistan
5
Navoi State University of Mining and Technologies, Navoi , Uzbekistan
6
Department of Pathological Physiology, Samarkand State Medical University, Uzbekistan
7
Teacher of the Department of Fruits and Vegetables at the Urganch State University, Uzbekistan
8
Samarkand State University named after Sharof Rashidov, University Boulevard, 15, Samarkand, 703004, Uzbekistan
9
Kokand State Pedagogical Institute 150700 Kokand, Fergana region, Uzbekistan
10
Teacher of the Department of Psychology. Uzbekistan-Finland Pedagogical Institute. Samarkand, Uzbekistan
10.22124/cjes.2024.8069
Abstract
Climate change is rapidly altering Arctic ecosystems, forcing native species to adapt. This study investigated the behavioral adaptations of Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) in response to climate change, focusing on changes in hunting patterns, den site selection, and social interactions. Over a three-year period (2021-2023) in northern Alaska, we employed GPS tracking of 60 foxes, 100 remote camera traps, and direct field observations. We analyzed den site characteristics, prey availability, and environmental data. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess relationships between environmental variables and fox behaviors. Significant shifts in behavior were observed: (1) Diurnal foraging activity increased by 30.1%; (2) Den sites at elevations above 100m increased by 13%; (3) Cooperative hunting behaviors, particularly among non-kin groups, rose by 15.2%. Diet composition changed markedly, with lemming consumption decreasing from 62.3% to 33.7%, offset by increases in alternative prey. Hunting success rates for cooperative strategies improved, especially for marine prey (13.7% increase). Arctic foxes demonstrate remarkable behavioral plasticity in response to climate change, rapidly altering their hunting patterns, den site preferences, and social dynamics. While these adaptations suggest resilience, their long-term implications for Arctic fox populations and tundra ecosystems remain uncertain, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts.
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