​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

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• Habitats ​• 

DRY GRASSLANDS

ROCKY OUTCROPS

SCRUB HABITATS

AGRICULTURE FIELDS

RAVINES/ MOUNDS

RURAL SETTLEMENTS

DRY OPEN HABITATS

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• Distribution • 

Desert fox presence records in each sub-district (taluk/tehsil).
Number of records: 1 (yellow) to 72 (dark red)

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• 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.

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IMAGE CREDITS | COVER IMAGE: MANISH VAIDYA | PROFILE: HARDIK PATEL