Fox Research at CER

CER are undertaking research on niche analysis of fox (Vulpes) species in Abu Dhabi Emirate. Four Vulpes species occur throughout the Arabian Peninsular (V. vulpes, V. rueppellii, V. cana and V. zerda). Vulpes cana is restricted to mountain areas and the remaining three are distributed throughout the sandy deserts of the peninsular. The most wide spread species are V. vulpes and V. rueppellii, with V. cana having been rarely recorded. Harrison and Bates (1991) suggest that V. vulpes have a wider range than V. rueppellii and that V. rueppellii dominates in remoter desert areas.

Despite detailed information being available on small carnivore species in Arctic and Temperate regions (Remmert, 1980; Zimen, 1980), there is limited information concerning the ecology and biology of small carnivores in desert and semi-desert regions (Ginsberg and Macdonald 1990). There is currently insufficient information about the ecology of Vulpes species within Arabia, and virtually no detailed information about these species in the United Arab Emirates (Harrison and Bates 1991).

CER is undertaking research on a population of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) on Al Masnoaa Island. This population self established soon after the Island was developed. This “captive’ population provides a unique opportunity for CER to study the population ecology of red fox, which occurs at its southern most limit in Arabia. CER is currently undertaking a capture, tag, recapture project on the Island to determine the fox population size, sex and age structure. The study also provides information on the general health condition of the foxes. The CER team is also continuing a similar study on desert fox (Vulpes rueppellii) in the interior of Abu Dhabi. This project is undertaken with staff from the Abu Dhabi based Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency.

Harrison and Bates, (1991). The Mammals of Arabia -2nd edition. Harrison Zoological Museum, Kent, UK.

Remmert, (1980). Arctic animal ecology. Springer Verlag, Berlin.