Arabian Red Fox Population Spotted Across Kuwait’s Deserts

  • Publish date: Monday، 27 January 2025

Wildlife monitoring highlights the widespread presence of the Arabian red fox in Kuwait’s deserts.

Arabian Red Fox Population Spotted Across Kuwait’s Deserts Arabian Red Fox Population Spotted Across Kuwait’s Deserts
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Kuwait’s deserts are home to a flourishing population of Arabian red foxes, also known locally as “Al-Hesni,” according to the Environment Public Authority (EPA). This species, the largest fox in the Arabian Peninsula, has been documented in various regions, including North Salmi, Mutlaa, Al-Jahra, and Sabah Al-Ahmad nature reserves.

Advanced Monitoring Techniques

To track the fox population, researchers have employed wildlife cameras and drones, said Dr. Abdullah Al-Zaidan, Deputy Director General of the Technical Affairs Sector at the EPA. The Arabian red fox is one of the most common desert mammals, often found near urban areas, camps, and human settlements where food is easily accessible.

Arabian Red Fox Population Spotted Across Kuwait’s Deserts

Adaptation to Harsh Climates

Well-suited to Kuwait’s extreme desert environment, the Arabian red fox can withstand summer temperatures exceeding 50°C and near-freezing winters. These nocturnal animals, which live in underground burrows, typically avoid daytime activity. Adult males can grow up to one meter in length and weigh between 2.7 and 4.5 kilograms, with females being slightly smaller.

Efforts to Protect Native Wildlife

The EPA, in collaboration with the Scientific Center under the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), is running rehabilitation programs to reintroduce the species into its natural habitats. The Arabian red fox is listed under Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to regulate fur trade and is classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.

Dr. Al-Zaidan emphasized the EPA’s dedication to conserving Kuwait’s ecosystems, reducing habitat destruction, and safeguarding native wildlife for future generations.