Elusive Blanford’s fox spotted in UAE's Wadi Wurayah

The elusive Blanford’s Fox is one of the latest species to be captured on camera as part of the Notice Nature initiative, a unique wildlife mapping project in the UAE.

Launched by Mashreq and Emirates Nature-WWF, Notice Nature aims to evaluate and protect key species in the UAE's diverse ecosystems. The project, in partnership with the Fujairah Environment Authority, involves community participation as ‘citizen scientists.’

Participants assist in deploying and maintaining motion-sensing cameras in Fujairah's Wadi Wurayah National Park. These cameras, using infrared technology, monitor wildlife day and night, providing crucial data on species like the Blanford’s Fox.

The data collected helps assess biodiversity and supports conservation efforts. Since January 2023, over 550 participants have contributed more than 3,200 observations, highlighting the project’s role in addressing environmental challenges.

"This data not only expands our knowledge of the UAE's diverse ecosystems but also allows us to address the detrimental impacts of urbanization, pollution, and climate change on the country's flora and fauna," said Muna Al Ghurair, Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications, Mashreq.

The Blanford’s Fox is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on national and regional red lists. This nocturnal species was first recorded in the UAE in 1995, and has only been recorded sporadically since.

It is a very small fox species, with adults weighing around 3 kg, and it feeds mainly on insects, fruits, and rodents such as Wagner’s gerbil and spiny mice.

The solitary fox species lives in rocky mountain areas on hillsides and in wadis and can easily jump vertically three metres onto ledges.

"We are excited to capture such clear images of the rare and secretive Blanford’s Fox. These animals are very rarely seen and so each record gives new information on the distribution of the species and its status," said Dr. Andrew Gardner, Associate Director of Biodiversity Conservation at Emirates Nature-WWF.

Besides the Blanford’s Fox, cameras in Wadi Wurayah have captured various species, including Brandt's hedgehog, Red Fox, and Hume’s wheatear. Citizen scientists have also observed the endangered Arabian tahr and other wildlife.