In a critical conservation mission, Russian scientists have delivered 600 kilograms of emergency food to a remote island in the North Pacific to save a critically endangered population of Arctic foxes from starvation. On Medny Island, the population of the unique Medny Island Arctic fox has plummeted to no more than 50 adults, pushing the species to the brink of extinction primarily due to a severe lack of its natural food sources.
Specialists from the Commander Islands National Park established two new feeding stations as part of the effort to help the rare predators survive the upcoming harsh winter, which is the most challenging period in their annual cycle. The food delivery was the culmination of a major scientific expedition, which also saw the return of three park employees after spending 115 days on the isolated island.
During their extended stay, the research team conducted a wide range of vital work as part of a comprehensive biodiversity monitoring project. Their efforts included monitoring colonies of sea birds, endemic songbirds, the Commander rock ptarmigan, and marine mammals such as Steller sea lions, northern fur seals, sea otters, and cetaceans. This extensive data collection provides a holistic view of the region’s delicate ecosystem.
The expedition also gathered unique data on the health, ecology, and spatial distribution of the endangered foxes. The scientists surveyed known dens and mapped new ones, deepening their understanding of the species’ behavior and needs. The Medny Island Arctic fox, an endemic subspecies found only on this island, is the sole native terrestrial predator and plays a crucial role in the local environment. Its survival is considered essential for the island’s ecological balance.
This ongoing conservation initiative, supported by the “Nature and People” and Presidential Nature funds, aims to identify the root causes of the decline in the fox population and other at-risk species on the Commander Islands. The findings from these expeditions are crucial for developing and implementing effective, long-term strategies to preserve the unique wildlife of this remote corner of the world.