Fact Check: "There are over 100,000 urban foxes with penises in the UK, excluding arctic foxes"
What We Know
The claim suggests that there are over 100,000 urban foxes with penises in the UK, excluding arctic foxes. According to a study on urban fox distribution, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most widespread terrestrial carnivore and has increasingly colonized urban areas in the UK. The study indicates that urban fox densities can vary significantly, with some areas reporting densities as high as 30 foxes per square kilometer.
A report from Wildlife Online estimates the stable British fox population to be around 430,000 animals, with approximately 150,000 residing in urban areas. This figure suggests a significant increase from the estimated 33,000 urban foxes in the mid-1990s. However, the data does not specifically address the number of male foxes.
Analysis
The claim is partially supported by the available data. The study on urban fox distribution and the Wildlife Online report both indicate a substantial urban fox population, with estimates reaching up to 150,000. However, these sources do not provide specific data on the gender distribution of these foxes, making it difficult to verify the exact number of male foxes.
The reliability of the sources varies. The study published in PLOS ONE is a peer-reviewed article, which adds credibility to its findings. However, it acknowledges limitations in its methodology, such as biases in voluntary survey participation. The Wildlife Online report provides a comprehensive overview but lacks peer-reviewed validation, which may affect its reliability.
Conclusion
The claim is Partially True. While there is evidence supporting a large urban fox population in the UK, estimated at around 150,000, the claim specifically about "over 100,000 urban foxes with penises" cannot be fully verified due to the lack of gender-specific data in the sources. The overall urban fox population is well-documented, but the gender distribution remains unspecified.
Sources
- Changes in the Distribution of Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Urban Areas
- Are fox populations increasing in Britain? | Wildlife Online
- Research on declining populations of foxes in Urban areas
- Is the fox population increasing in Britain? - Protect the Wild
- Red Fox Facts
- Urban Foxes: are they different, and are they a problem?
- The secret life of urban foxes