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weighing an average 29 g, are dropped after a 50–60-day gestation.
Mating in Israel and Palestine takes place in January–February and the
pups are born in early spring.
Distribution and Status Blanford’s Fox has a wide distribution in
central and eastern Iran, occurring up to the eastern Zagros ranges.
Populations of the fox live in the coastal mountains of the UAE,
Oman and Saudi Arabia, and probably in Yemen (although this needs
confirmation). The fox is found in south-eastern Israel and Palestine,
probably in Sinai and, although there is only one record for the
Egyptian Red Sea Hills, its range almost certainly extends into north-
eastern Sudan. It is a fox that is easily overlooked, and its range may
still be found to be more extensive than is currently known.
Conservation Areas Jebel Samhan NP (Oman); Dana NR (Jordan); Ein
Gedi NR, Judaean Desert NR, Maktesh Ramon NR, Eilat Mountain NR
(Israel).
RÜPPELL’S FOX Vulpes rüppelli
Identification This is a small, lightly built fox with large ears. Its
overall coat colour is pale fawn to almost white, usually with a russet
tinge along the back, as well as on the face and the back of the ears. It
has a long, bushy tail with a distinctive white tip.
Size Shoulder height 30 cm.
Weight 1.2–3.6 kg.
Habitat and Behaviour Rüppell’s Fox shows a strong preference for
sandy desert, including areas of dunes, but in some areas occupies
stony desert. Its favoured areas have sparse to very sparse vegetation
cover. It eats mainly invertebrates and small rodents, but also wild
fruits and berries. It lives in territorial pairs that mate for life, but