The steppe fox, or corsac, has been of particular interest to humans for many years. This animal, due to its beautiful winter coat, has undergone mass extermination for several centuries. Today, Korsak is on the list of the international Red Book.
Animal description
Korsak (photo shown below) is a predator of the Canidae family of the Fox family. The body length of the animal is on average 45–65 cm, and the height at the withers is about 30 cm. The weight of adults is 5 kg, sometimes a couple of kilograms are more or less. These foxes have long tails - 20–35 cm. This species differs from other foxes in large pointed ears. They have a short muzzle and 48 small teeth.
The steppe eared fox has a short dull-colored coat, mainly a gray-yellow hue. But depending on the season, the color changes. The most beautiful foxes become by the end of autumn. The fur lengthens, acquires silkiness, softness and density. These Korsaks remain until the end of winter. Closer to summer, they become redder and darker.
This species of foxes is distinguished by excellent eyesight, smell and hearing. In addition, they are able to climb trees, as well as run at a speed of 60 km / h.
When these foxes encounter brothers in conflict situations or defend their offspring, one can hear the characteristic bark of a korsaka. 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 are shown on this page) can settle in the steppes and semi-deserts. Usually they choose an area with hilly terrain and negligible vegetation, where there will be little snow in winter. Sometimes they can settle in the foothills or the desert zone. Terrain 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 a steppe fox occupies minks of ground squirrels, badgers, marmots and other suitable animals. Such dwellings are relatively shallow and have several moves. The animal practically does not dig with its paws. Although a few minks can be taken, Korsaks choose only one for housing.
Food
It is immediately worth noting that this is a predator. The 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 benefit from this. Korsaki can catch birds, eat insects and reptiles. They hardly consume vegetation.
If the year is hungry, foxes eat carrion and the remains of dead animals. They do not need water.
This predator normally tolerates hunger. It remains active even if it suffers a couple of weeks of malnutrition. In winter, the steppe fox can walk 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 spring the number of Korsaks is reduced by tens of times.
Lifestyle & Hunting
These foxes are night hunters. Therefore, with the onset of dusk, they alone go in search of food. But if hungry times come, Korsaks begin to come out of their holes even in the afternoon. If the street is very hot or very cold, the animal spends this time in the hole. In winter cold, the steppe fox can stay in the house for up to three days.
These animals are very careful, and an excellent scent helps them in this. Before exiting, the fox protrudes its nose to sniff the air. Then she sits near the hole and raises her face, sniffing out suspicious odors from all sides. Convinced of the surrounding calm, she leaves in search of the victim.
The hunting process is just as cautious, unhurried and quiet. When the corsac feels a suitable prey, he begins, without rushing, to pursue it, until there comes a convenient moment for the chase. In just a day, a fox can run about 15 km.
In spring, Korsaks form couples that live their whole lives. In winter, they are kept by 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 south, leaving their territory. This is due to the fact that their paws get stuck in snowdrifts, and they become helpless and hungry. So sometimes Korsaks wander into cities.
