The recent sighting of a few Desert Foxes in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district has become a cause for alarm as these creatures were found to be suffering from skin disease, specifically Mange. The Wildlife census carried out in 2019 reported a population of 8,331 desert and Indian foxes in the state. But what makes this incident significant is the importance of the Desert Fox to the local ecology and an introduction to the Mange skin disease, which is threatening their existence.
The Desert Fox: An Overview
More officially known as the White-footed fox or scientifically referred to as Vulpes vulpes pusilla, the Desert Fox is one of the three sub-species of Red Fox residing in India. This specific species stands apart due to its distinct white tail-tip. An irresistibly adorable trait of these creatures is their small snout and beady eyes. Its habitation extends to the dry and semi-arid regions of western and north-western India, exclusively, not overlapping with other red fox sub-species territories.
However, it is noted that they occupy less than half of their potential habitats in India. Predominantly omnivores, they derive their nourishment from a diverse set of sources including berries, plants, even desert rodents, insects, spiders, small birds, and certain types of lizards such as the Spiny tail.
Threats Faced by Desert Foxes
The existence of the desert foxes is continually threatened by factors such as habitat loss, road-related mortality, and negative interactions with domestic and free-ranging dogs. In terms of protection status, while they are listed under ‘Least Concern’ in the IUCN Red List, they fall under Appendix II of CITES listing. Moreover, the India Wildlife (Protection) Act lists them under Schedule II.
Understanding Mange: The Disease Threatening Foxes
Mange is a common animal skin disease caused primarily by mite infestation. The affliction is marked by symptoms such as inflammation, itching, skin thickening, and loss of hair. Sarcoptes scabiei, a variety of mite, is known to cause the most severe form of this disease, also responsible for causing scabies in humans.
The disease is not restricted to one species and is known to afflict all domestic animals in some form or another. Transmission occurs through direct contact between animals or indirectly via objects that have been in contact with infested animals. The intense itching induced by the disease prompts the animal to scratch, which results in skin breaks where mites then lay eggs leading to multiplication. Affected areas often become scabbed leading to hair loss. Despite these discomforting effects, most forms of mange are treatable.
Despite being an integral part of our ecosystem, the desert foxes are facing a constant battle for survival. Their story serves as a reminder of the threats faced by wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these unique creatures.
(Source: DTE)
Last Modified: February 15, 2024