* Conservation efforts: The Arctic fox is listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but some populations face threats from hunting, habitat loss, and climate change.
* Fur farming: Many countries have banned fur farming, reducing the demand for wild-caught pelts.
* Ethical concerns: Public awareness of animal welfare has led to decreased demand for fur products.
Despite the decline in hunting, Arctic foxes are still occasionally trapped for their fur in some parts of their range, particularly in areas with less strict regulations.
It's important to note that:
* Sustainable fur harvesting: There are advocates for ethical and sustainable fur harvesting, arguing that properly managed trapping can be beneficial to certain populations.
* Alternative materials: The development of faux fur and other synthetic materials has provided alternatives to animal-based fur, further reducing demand.
Ultimately, the ethics of hunting Arctic foxes for fur remains a complex issue with arguments on both sides.