Threatened species of Vulpes cana
- Threatened species of Blanford's fox
- Endangered species of Afghan fox
Nature
The skin of Vulpes cana is a valuable commodity so hunting pressure is great. As it is not 'trap shy' it is easily caught, decimating populations within sometimes a month.
Background
Blanford's fox was thought only to be found in Afghanistan, southwest Soviet Union, Turkestan, northeast Iran, and Baluchistan. In recent years it has been found in Israel and Oman (1984). It is probable, that the range of this species extends throughout Arabia. Blanford's fox is usually found in mountainous regions and prefers cliffs, barren mountain steppes and rocky hills bordering low valleys, cultivation and plains. The species is found up to an altitude of approximately 2,000 m.
Vulpes cana is also frequently named as Corsac, Dog Fox, Hoary Fox and Steppe Fox.
Other language names are: Iran: Siah rubah; Israeli: Shual tzukim.
Incidence
Believed rare in most localities; locally abundant in parts of Israel.
The IUCN consider Vulpes cana as "Data Deficient". CITES lists the species as "Appendix 2".