The Tibetan fox (lat. Vulpes ferrilata) is the smallest representative of the fox genus. Its body length is only 60-70 cm with a weight of 4 to 5.5 kg. She has a rather fluffy tail, 30-45 cm long. The head of the Tibetan fox seems too large and square due to the thick and dense collar. And in general, looking at her calmly detached expression on her face, it seems as if this animal has managed to experience Zen.
However, the life of Tibetan foxes cannot be called so serene. In summer, the air temperature in their habitats rises to +30 degrees Celsius, and in winter it drops to -40. Add to this a strong piercing wind, and you will understand why the fox needs such thick and thick fur with a dense underfur: it protects the animal well, both from heat and cold.
However, the life of Tibetan foxes cannot be called so serene. In summer, the air temperature in their habitats rises to +30 degrees Celsius, and in winter it drops to -40. Add to this a strong piercing wind, and you will understand why the fox needs such thick and thick fur with a dense underfur: it protects the animal well, both from heat and cold.
By the way, the diet of these predators includes not only pikas. Foxes readily eat rabbits, small ground birds, their eggs and chicks, as well as lizards, insects, berries and even carrion. Tibetan foxes have a rather interesting color: the color of the fur on the sides gradually changes from top to bottom: from rusty brown to gray. The belly, throat and tip of the tail are white. All this allows the cunning beast to merge with the horizon line when it creeps up on the victim.
Tibetan foxes hunt in pairs, sharing their prey fairly with their partner. Their “marriages” are concluded at 10-11 months of age and last until the death of one of the “spouses”. Pregnancy in females lasts about two months, then the fox goes to the den to give birth to 2 to 5 hairless cubs. She stays with the cubs for a long time, while her partner brings her food.
After a few weeks, the babies come out of hiding, following their mother everywhere, and their parents continue to feed them fresh meat. Young animals live together with their mother and father until puberty, which occurs at 8-10 months. They then leave to create a couple of their own.
Tibetan foxes are not very talkative. Only family members can communicate with each other using low barks. In general, they are friendly to members of their own species and do not get involved in fights with neighbors over food plots. On the contrary, it has been observed that several pairs can safely hunt in the same territory.
The maximum lifespan of Tibetan foxes is estimated at ten years, but in the wild they barely live to five. Their main enemies are the Tibetans' domestic dogs and the people themselves, who hunt them for their fur. Fox skins are used for hats that reliably protect from rain and wind. However, products made from their fur are not of particular value.
