The underrepresented canids play a crucial role in a variety of ecosystems. Learn about the different fox species found in India and the litany of threats they face.
As published in Nature inFocus on 25 February, 2022.
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of the fox? Sly, cunning, clever? Sadly, these omnivorous mammals are anything but crafty and cunning. Exceptional at adapting to different habitats and food sources, their resourcefulness has earned them the ire of our moral stories, positioning them as the ideal wrong-doer.
Depending on the species, foxes are present throughout the country, but they fail to elicit the same awe that some of the megafauna species do. Many of the threats that India’s wildlife faces today, such as linear intrusion, plastic pollution, habitat modification and reduction of prey base, also impact the foxes of the region. However, discussions that solely focus on the fox family are not that common, making the canids underrepresented in the conservation space.
In the past, we have shared glimpses of the Desert Fox in its habitat and given you an overview of the wild canids of the country. In this story, we focus on the fox species of India, highlighting the threats they face and emphasising the need for better awareness. In time, hopefully, the word fox will elicit a more positive image of a resourceful canid.
Read the full story on Nature inFocus.