Use of dens by the desert fox in the desertic environment

Abstract

The study was carried out on the use of dens by the desert fox in the desertic environment at Jajiwal Dhora and Guda Bhakri study sites in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. Dens played a vital role in protecting desert fox and their pups from adverse environmental conditions. During study period total 104 dens were recorded out of them, 42 were resting dens and 62 were breeding dens. At Jajiwal Dhora study site 72 dens were observed and at Guda Bhakari study site 32 dens were noted. The desert fox used the dens for pup rearing, resting and saving themselves from different climatic factors such as heavy rain, dust storms, warm air and coldness. Desert fox use the den according to the seasonal changes. Northern-facing dens were mainly used during summer, while southern-facing dens were used in winter. The rodents, birds and bushes dominated areas and agricultural fields were mainly preferred by the desert fox for digging the dens. Direct observation, questionnaire and interview methods were used for the investigation.