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25 May 2013
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Corsac fox
Vulpes corsac

Together with the Arctic fox, the corsac fox occupies a niche that is between the true dogs (Canis) and the foxes (Vulpes).

Life span
Unknown.

Statistics
Body length: 48-68cm, Tail length: 30-40cm, Standing height: up to 30cm, Weight: 2.5-5kg

Physical description
In the winter, corsac foxes have a very dense whitish-grey fur, which becomes sandy to reddish coloured in the summer.

Distribution
Corsac foxes inhabit the southeast Soviet Union, Soviet and Chinese Turkestan, Afghanistan, Mongolia and northern Manchuria.

Habitat
They live in steppe regions and semi-desert. They have no attachment to a particular place and often move back and forth, using caves they find on the way.

Diet
Corsac foxes feed on small mammals, birds and reptiles.

Behaviour
They are found in pairs and small groups,

Reproduction
Corsac foxes have a gestation period of 49-51 days, after which they give birth to 2-7 cubs, which weigh 50-80g.

Conservation status
Corsac foxes are listed as Data Deficient by the 2000 IUCN Red List. They are heavily hunted for their fur, but are still common. Other than humans, predatory birds are their only enemy.





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