Steppe fox: the hard life of an animal

Steppe fox, or korsak, has for many years been of particular interest to man. This animal, because of its beautiful winter coat, has been subjected to mass extermination for several centuries. Today the korsak is on the list of the international Red Book.

Description of the animal

Korsak (pictured below) is a predator of the Psov family of the genus Lysits. The body length of the animal is on the average 45-65 cm, and the height on the withers is about 30 cm. The weight of adults is 5 kg, sometimes they are a couple of kilograms larger or smaller. These foxes have long tails - 20-35 cm. This species differs from other foxes with large pointed ears. They have a short muzzle and 48 small teeth.

Steppe eared fox has a short, dull-colored coat, mainly this gray-yellow shade. But depending on the season, the color changes. The most beautiful foxes become by the end of autumn. The fur lengthens, acquires silky, softness and density. Such corsacs remain until the end of winter. Closer to summer, they become reddish and darker.

This species of fox is distinguished by excellent vision, smell and hearing. In addition, they are able to climb trees, and also run at a speed of 60 km / h.

When these foxes collide in conflict situations with their brethren or protect their offspring, one can hear the characteristic barking of a korsak. They can also whine and growl like dogs.

Habitat

You can meet this animal in Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Iran and some other countries. Korsak (photos shown on this page) can settle in the steppes and semi-deserts. Usually they choose a terrain with hilly terrain and insignificant vegetation, where in winter there will be little snow. Sometimes they can settle in the foothills or desert zone. Locations with vegetation these foxes are avoided.

Each animal marks its territory, which is usually about 30 km ² . Within these limits, the animal has several holes. Usually the steppe fox occupies the mink of gophers, badgers, marmots and other suitable animals. Such dwellings are relatively shallow and have several courses. Practically, the animal does not dig with its paws. Although mink can be employed a little, for housing, the korsaks choose only one.

Food

It should be noted right away that it is a predator. Steppe fox catches small animals, for example, small hares and marmots. Also in the diet there are rodents - these are voles, ground squirrels, jerboas. For agriculture, they are of benefit. Korsak know how to catch birds, eat insects and reptiles. They hardly use vegetation.

If the year is hungry, foxes eat carrion and the remains of dead animals. They do not need water.

This predator normally suffers hunger. He remains active even if he suffers from a couple of weeks of malnutrition. In winter, the steppe fox can go many kilometers in search of food. But if the winter turned out to be snowy, it becomes much more difficult for them to survive. It happens that by the spring of the number of corsacs is reduced by dozens of times.

Lifestyle and hunting

These foxes are night hunters. Therefore, with the onset of twilight, they alone go on a quest for food. But if the hungry times come, the corsacs begin to come out of the burrows even in the daytime. If the street is very hot or cold, the animal spends this time in the hole. In winter cold steppe fox can stay in the house for up to three days.

These animals are very careful, and in this they are helped by an excellent scent. Before you go out, the fox sticks out his nose to sniff the air. Then she sits down near the hole and lifts her face, sniffing out suspicious smells from all sides. After making sure of the surrounding peace, she goes in search of a victim.

The process of hunting is as cautious, unhurried and quiet. When the korsak senses a suitable prey, he begins, without hurrying, to chase her until there is an opportune time to chase. In just one day a fox can run about 15 km.

In the spring, corsacs form pairs that live their entire life. In winter, they keep a group of males, females and their offspring. The territory of such a family is about 30 km ² , and in some cases more.

In winter, if there is a lot of snow, families can move to the south, leaving their territory. This is due to the fact that their feet are stuck in the snowdrifts, and they become helpless and hungry. So sometimes corsacs wander into the city.

A few details about corsacs

The life span of this animal is not exactly clear. But it is commonly believed that they do not live longer than six years in freedom. At the same time, if it is kept in captivity and cared for, the korsak will last up to 12 years.

The main enemies of this small predator are wolves, which they can hunt. But since the corsac quickly run, they often manage to escape. Also, with ordinary foxes, steppe brethren can not be reconciled, these two representatives are malicious enemies. It happens that they have to fight for the remains of food.

In the 17th century, on the territory of our country, the steppe fox was a domestic pet. This is not surprising, because this species quickly gets used to a person and gets on well in captivity.