Ecology, diet and behaviour of two fox species in a large, fenced protected area in central Saudi Arabia

The aim of the research was to determine the status and to study aspects of the ecology of the fox species Vulpes vulpes arabica and Vulpes rüppelli sabea inside and outside a large fenced Protected Area, Mahazat as-Sayd in Saudi Arabia. V. rüppelli sabea was the most abundant small carnivore, with a density of 0.7–1.0 km−2 which was about 12 times greater than V. vulpes arabica and both fox populations were greater inside Mahazat than outside. Annual survivorship of V. rüppelli sabea was 39% (based on Jolly–Seber method) and 70% (based on mean residence rate). The fox species had similar diets with small mammals and invertebrates being the most important components. V. rüppelli sabea population existed as pairs holding home ranges all year of 7.2 km2 and producing 3.3 cubs on average.