Elusive Blanford’s Fox Captured On Camera In UAE's National Park

The elusive Blanford’s Fox has recently been captured on camera as part of the Notice Nature initiative. This project, launched by Mashreq and Emirates Nature-WWF, aims to evaluate the conservation status of key species in the UAE. The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Fujairah Environment Authority.

Notice Nature engages various communities in the UAE, including families, organisations, decision-makers, and youth. These groups participate directly in environmental conservation as ‘citizen scientists’ through Emirates Nature-WWF’s Leaders of Change annual programme. Citizen scientists gather and analyse valuable data that informs conservation strategies.

Participants help install and maintain motion-sensing cameras at select sites in Wadi Wurayah, the UAE’s first mountain protected area managed by the Fujairah Environment Authority. These cameras are triggered by movement and operate both day and night using infrared light. They offer a non-intrusive way to monitor wildlife, especially shy species like the Blanford’s Fox.

Muna Al Ghurair, Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at Mashreq, stated, "The recent photographs of the elusive Blanford’s Fox in Wadi Wurayah National Park are a testament to the importance of our environmental conservation efforts." She added that these sightings provide critical insights into the UAE's rich biodiversity, helping understand and protect unique wildlife.

The data collected through this initiative expands knowledge of the UAE's diverse ecosystems. It also addresses the detrimental impacts of urbanisation, pollution, and climate change on flora and fauna. Since January 2023, over 550 participants have collected more than 3,200 observations.

Dr. Andrew Gardner, Associate Director of Biodiversity Conservation at Emirates Nature-WWF, commented on capturing clear images of the rare Blanford’s Fox. He said these animals are rarely seen, so each record provides new information on their distribution and status.

Importance of Protected Areas

Blanford’s Fox is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ (VU) in both the National UAE Red List and Arabia Regional Red List. Vulnerable species have significantly decreased populations and may become endangered if current challenges persist. These lists regularly evaluate species' status and conservation efforts' effectiveness.

The small fox was first recorded in the UAE’s mountains in 1995 and has only been sporadically recorded since then. Blanford’s Fox is strictly nocturnal and feeds mainly on insects, fruits, and rodents such as Wagner’s gerbil and spiny mice.

Unique Characteristics of Blanford's Fox

This fox species is very small, with adults weighing around 3 kg. It has large ears and a long bushy tail almost as long as its body. The tail may be tipped black or white. The solitary fox lives in rocky mountain areas on hillsides and wadis and can jump vertically three metres onto ledges.

Dr. Gardner expressed confidence that with support from Mashreq, Fujairah Environment Authority, and citizen scientists in the Leaders of Change programme, more records of Blanford’s Fox will be collected along with other rare species like Arabian Tahr and Caracal in UAE mountains.

"This is incredibly valuable scientific information that feeds into the conservation management of these species," Dr. Gardner noted.

The Notice Nature initiative aims to gather valuable data while inspiring a collective sense of wonder and shared responsibility for environmental stewardship across communities in line with Mashreq's Climb2Change strategic vision.

With inputs from WAM