Pelage Cycle in Blue Fox (Alopex Lagopus): A Comparison Between Animals Born Early and Late in the Season

The study compared the pelage (fur) cycle of blue foxes (Alopex lagopus) born early in the season to those born later. It found that the timing of birth significantly affected the fur development and molting patterns of the animals. Early-born foxes exhibited a more advanced and synchronized pelage cycle compared to late-born foxes, which had a delayed and less uniform cycle. This research provided insights into how birth timing influences fur growth and shedding in blue foxes, which could have implications for their management and breeding in captivity.