F a i t h f u l F O X E S

Behavior and habits: Unlike the majority of foxes, this species prefers to live in social packs, much like dogs. They do not dig their own burrows, but instead usually take over other dens already established. They also have a central spot in the wild for waste, so in a home they are much easier to potty-train than most foxes. However, they do tend to mark anything they wish to be theirs, much like a Red Fox, and their urine smells strongly.

Not too much information is known on the behavior and structure of their social groups in the wild, as these species are elusive, but it is known they have a specific structure and live in social social groups of approximately 6 - 15 foxes in the wild, unlike most foxes with the exclusion of Fennecs. In

 captivity, it has been reported they do not like to be outside, as one of their primary threats are birds. This could be a contributing factor as to why they seem to not enjoy leash walks. 

Breeding: They typically have 2-6 kits per litter in the spring, and even cases of up to 11 young.The average lifespan of the Corsac is about 12 years. They reach sexual maturity from 9-10 months of age and reproduce the second year of life. They do not breed well in captivity, but are easily habituated by humans. However, if they feel their kits are threatened, they will destroy them like any fox. 

As A Pet: In captivity they do well in pairs, however, they will bond with the owner if you gain their trust from baby up. They will generally be timid if acquired as an adult. They must also have something to climb on, such as a cat tree, or it will become frustrated and look for outlets to it's energy, since they climb trees and such in the wild.

They typically shed badly about once a year, around the springtime months, March - May. They will go through an extreme shedding process, losing huge patches of their fur at once. Their fur emits a smelly odor that goes away if bathed regularly.

Major Threats: One of the greatest threats to the Corsac Fox is being hunted for fur. In the late 19th century, up to 10,000 foxes were killed annually for pelt trade. Other threats include, but are not limited to, large birds, and mammals larger than them. Development in Kazakhstan in the mid-1850's caused a significant reduction of Corsac numbers in previously undisturbed habitats. In the 20th century several catastrophic population declines were recorded. During such crashes hunting on Corsac Foxes in the former Soviet Union was banned. For example, hunting of Corsac Foxes was stopped within the entire Kazakhstan territory from 1928 to 1938. Current population status, and the nature of major threats, is unknown in most regions. The western part of the range populations are recovering and their range expanding. In Kalmikiya large desert areas are changing into grass steppes, less suitable for Corsac foxes. In Middle Asia and Kazakhstan a dramatic decrease of livestock during the last decade influenced many ecosystems and wildlife populations. However, the exact influence of this process on Corsac populations remains unknown.

Conservative Actions:  They are listed as least concern by the IUCN Red List.Not listed on CITES Appendices. Hunting of Corsac Foxes is regulated by special national legislation, in which the species is considered a fur-bearer species (Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia). Trapping/hunting is allowed only from November through March in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. Certain methods of hunting are prohibited, such as digging or smoking animals out of dens, den flooding, and poisoning.