Success for the endangered Arctic fox captive breeding program

Jørn J. Fremstad

2024-07-18T10:53:00.0000000 2024-09-05T22:37:49.0730000

- This year we are very pleased to have had more than 30 pups, and it is positive to see so many litters as well. Especially because three of the pairs are newcomers at the station, says researcher Kristine Ulvund at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA).

Variation between years

In the last four years, the number of pups born at the breeding station has varied considerably. 2021 was a good year, with 33 pups spread among 6 litters. 2022 was the opposite, with no litters at all. Thorough investigations by the NINA researchers showed that the foxes did not get enough vitamin B1 through the feed. It was then a relief in 2023 to see 4 litters producing a total of 11 pups, and 34 in 2024.

- It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes for a good year at the breeding station. This year, four out of six pregnant females were first time mothers, and we cannot expect them to be able to raise as many pups as more experienced females. Although it does look good the future that we have so many first-time mothers, says NINA veterinarian Marianne Furnes.

Fresh genes

The main aim of the captive breeding program is to strengthen sub-populations of Arctic foxes in Norway. As the areas in which the captive bred foxes can establish themselves increase, the geographical distance between sub-populations will decrease. This will in turn make it easier for the foxes to travel between sub-populations and exchange genes. So far, the captive breeding program has released more than 450 Arctic foxes in nine mountain areas in Norway.

The Arctic fox captive breeding program is run by NINA and financed by the Norwegian Government through the Norwegian Environment Agency.

Want to know more about the breeding program?

Contact:

Craig Jackson

Kristine Ulvund

Endangered Arctic fox birth caught on camera

Jørn J. Fremstad

2024-05-23T12:55:00.0000000 2024-08-29T14:43:36.2970000

No less than eight pups are captured in the unique pictures of the birth in their den at Sæterfjellet in Oppdal, Norway. Via the camera, researchers at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) can monitor what is happening live around the clock, and the broadcast is open to anyone.

- It was great to be able to see one puppy after another being born. When the birth was over, we could count eight puppies, which is a good size for an Arctic fox litter, says NINA researcher Kristine Ulvund.

For the researchers, to see the pups being born provides novel information about female behavior and pup survival in the den.

Have seen two litters and 14 pups

In addition to the eight puppies that were born on camera, the researchers have registered another litter of six pups at the breeding station this year. It provides a long-awaited addition following a couple of lean years for the Arctic Fox Breeding Program. When it was started in 2005, there were as few as 40-60 arctic foxes left in the wild in Norway.  

The breeding station has eight large enclosures, and breeding pairs live in seven of them this year. The pups that are born are released into the wild, to strengthen sub-populations of the endangered species around the country. Almost 500 pups have been released from the station since it was started, and this is crucial to enable long-term survival of this highly threatened species in Norway.

The Arctic Fox Breeding Program is run by NINA and financed by the Norwegian Environment Agency.

Follow this link for live web cam here

Find out more about the Arctic fox here

Contact:

Kristine Ulvund

Craig Jackson

NINA opens Centre for Biodiversity Genetics

Jan Arne Stokmo

2022-10-25T13:07:00.0000000 2022-10-25T14:53:35.6400000

The official opening of NINAGEN was carried out by State Secretary Aleksander Øren Heen from the Ministry of Climate and Environment. Present at the opening were many of the users of NINA's genetic laboratory services.

Strengthens nature monitoring

All living things have their own unique DNA profile and access to these ‘biological nametags’ opens up a new world of possibilities for efficiently gathering knowledge about individuals, species and ecosystems. Genetic analyses have become an increasingly important part of contemporary nature management and NINA has a long track record of suppling genetic data and its conclusion to government and industry.

– DNA analyses have become a key tool in natural resource management and assignments from the government and other institutions are only increasing. Today we are opening a new, modern laboratory and establishing a new centre of competence to meet this growing demand, says Norunn S. Myklebust, managing director of NINA.

DNA has many uses

NINAGEN delivers genetic services to many areas of nature management. For example, DNA analyses are used when monitoring populations of Scandinavian carnivores, including brown bears, wolverines, wolves and golden eagles.

NINAGEN also uses DNA to monitor the condition of wild salmonid fishes in Norway and for example to quantify the degree of hybridization between wild and farmed salmon in Norwegian rivers.

With Environmental DNA, NINAGEN can simultaneously identify the presence of hundreds of species from only a small sample of water or soil. This methodology can also be used to assess the diets of individual animals via genetic analysis of fecal samples.

– New applications for the use of DNA in monitoring and research are continually emerging, and among others, have been implemented by NINAGEN staff in the management of deer, salamander, insect and plant populations. NINA stands at the cutting edge of this work, says Myklebust.

NINAGEN – a national centre of competence

The Centre for Biodiversity Genetics in Trondheim consists of several geneticists and researchers from various disciplines. Together with a team of experienced laboratory technicians, the centre forms a unique research platform, which can deliver a broad portfolio of genetic analyses. This capability is strengthened by a close collaboration with NINA's many ecologists and taxonomic specialists.

The centre provides services across terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, and in organism groups ranging from insects and plants to birds and mammals.

Genetic diversity is very important

– Genetic variation is a key part of biological diversity and is critical for the survival and adaptation of all species. This is more relevant than ever given the rapid pace of environmental change that is unfolding around the world. In this respect, NINAGEN will work efficiently to meet the increasing demand for genetic services, says Frode Fossøy, senior researcher at NINA.

For a research field that is constantly advancing due to technological development, NINAGEN will ensure that contemporary knowledge and methodology are efficiently implemented in Norwegian natural resource management.

Read more about NINAGEN on our new website (link)

Contact persons in NINA: 

Norunn S. Myklebust, managing director of NINA
Jonas Kindberg, head of Rovdata 
Frode Fossøy, senior researcher at NINA