CORSAC FOX
Vulpes Corsac
Rubaheh Torkmani: in Persian

General:

In Persian, called Rubah Torkmani which means "Turkman Fox". In the past it was keept as pets.

Appearance:

It has a fairly coat, color varies from grey to red-grey with a white chin. This fox is similar to Vulpes vulpes, but with relatively larger legs and ears. It has very small body with short tail with black color in the end of the tail. The head-and body length 55-60 cm and a tail length: 22-35 cm. Shoulder height: unknown Weight: unknown

Hunting and Diet:
Mostly hunts small mammals, but also eating birds, frogs, reptiles, insects and plant material.

Breeding:
In the wild, mating takes place in January-March, with Gestation of 50-60 days. There is no information about it's lactation or age of sexual maturity.

Little is known about the social behaviour of this species. It lives in a burrow and several individuals may share dens. The corsac fox is expected to be more social than most fox species as it has been seen hunting in small packs. However, these may be adults and older young. Longevity in wild or captivity is unknown.

Corsac Fox makes it's Dens in crevices between rocks, piles of stones, or in the discarded burrows of other animals. They are easily habituated to humans.

Habitat: Steppes and semi-desert. Distribution in Iran: In Iran, it has been reported only from: Gorgan and the mountain and high lands of Turkman Sahra (Just in North of Iran). Population Status: Their primary threats are humans, who hunt them for their fur. Once it was hunted by eagles but today hunting is by cars. Status and the populations in Iran is not clear, but it's sure that In Iran the corsac is very rare and we can list this subspecies as Endangered. We need photo and more information about this animal from Iran.

• http://www.canids.org/SPPACCTS/vcorsac.htm
• http://www.redlist.org/
• Hamshahri Newspaper - Iran