43 ing on different regions. Felles Fjellrev Nord II is the latest major project, aiming to strengthen and link subpopulations of arctic foxes in Sweden, Finland and Norway. – The arctic fox doesn’t care about national or county boundaries. That means we must cooperate, says David Bell. An important part of the project is the support feeding, where dog food is put in feeding stations to help the foxes through difficult years, when the access to small rodents is scarce. In addition, keeping the number of red foxes down by hunting is another important thing for the survival of the arctic fox. The project also contributes with important research data on the artic fox. Through genetic studies, Felles Fjellrev tries, among other things, to find out if there are problems with inbreeding. – We also carry out habitat analyses to determine which types and categories of habitats the arctic foxes require. Such information can be valuable if we want to bring back the arctic fox to former habitats or protect critical areas, says David. The communication efforts in the project are also important. – For example, we have produced a travelling exhibition in four languages that is currently on display at various museums and visitor centers in Sweden, Norway, and Finland. In connection with the exhibition, we also visit schools in all mountain muni- cipalities in Norrbotten, he says. There is no doubt that Felles Fjellrev is making a real difference, says David Bell. – It could even be the case that the arctic fox would not have survived in some areas Researchers and volunteers weigh and earmark arctic fox puppies in the summer. The project contributes with important research about the artic fox.
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