​desert fox | Vulpes vulpes pusilla

Desert fox, also called the white-footed fox, is the third sub-species of red fox in India. Its range does not overlap with that of other red fox sub-species. Desert fox inhabits the dry and semi-arid regions of western and north-western India. It can be distinguished from the Indian fox based on its white-tipped tail.
Population Trend: stable
IUCN • least concern
CITES • appendix III
WLPA • schedule II

• ID Features ​• 

• Habitats ​• 

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DRY GRASSLANDS
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ROCKY OUTCROPS
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SCRUB HABITATS
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AGRICULTURE FIELDS
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RAVINES/ MOUNDS
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RURAL SETTLEMENTS
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DRY OPEN HABITATS

• Distribution • 

Estimated occupancy of desert foxes across taluks/tehsils in India

• Score card •

Conservation score: 55 | Grade: C

Desert foxes occupy <50% of their potential habitats in India. They are threatened by habitat loss, road-related mortality and negative interactions with free-ranging/domestic dogs.
IMAGE CREDITS | COVER IMAGE: MANISH VAIDYA | PROFILE: HARDIK PATEL