Red-Fox-Black-Tail

Still taken from trail camera video.

 

A red fox with a truly black tail is rare because the white-tipped tail is a defining characteristic of the red fox species, and a black tail indicates a melanistic variation or a cross fox morph, which is a recessive genetic trait that requires both parents to carry the gene for it to be expressed. However, the frequency of these black-tailed variants is increasing, especially in areas with known genetic mutations, due to increased genetic diversity from non-native fox populations.

 

What a black tail means:

Melanism:

A black tail is a sign of melanism, a genetic condition that results in the increased production of melanin, the dark pigment that causes fur to appear black or dark grey.

 

Recessive Trait:

Melanism is a recessive trait, meaning that both parents must carry the gene for the black coloration to be passed on to the offspring.

 

Why black tails are becoming more common:

Increased Genetic Diversity:

The rise in melanistic fox sightings is linked to an increase in genetic diversity within wild populations, possibly through crossbreeding with non-native red fox populations?

 

Specific Genes:

While the white-tipped tail is a signature of the red fox species, the presence of a black tail signifies a mutation of this gene.

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