The Blanford’s fox has recently been captured on camera during a wildlife-mapping initiative in the UAE, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on Friday. The elusive species, which is strictly nocturnal and seldom seen, was photographed in Fujairah as part of the Notice Nature initiative. This project, a collaboration between Emirates Nature-WWF, the Fujairah Environment Authority, and Mashreq Bank, was launched last year.

The initiative employs infrared motion-sensor cameras to unobtrusively monitor wildlife, particularly shy species like the Blanford’s fox. This method provides valuable insights into the area’s biodiversity and evaluates the effectiveness of designated protected areas for wildlife conservation.

Although the Blanford’s fox is classified as “least concern” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) threat-of-extinction list, it is considered vulnerable on both the National UAE Red List and the Arabia Regional Red List. This classification reflects significant population declines across the region, indicating that the species could become endangered if current threats persist.

The successful capture of the Blanford’s fox on camera is seen as a significant achievement, offering new data on the species’ distribution and status. This information is crucial for ongoing conservation efforts, as it contributes to the scientific understanding necessary for effective species management.

The sighting underscores the importance of local conservation initiatives and highlights the effectiveness of the collaboration in mapping and protecting the UAE’s rich biodiversity. The data gathered will help address the impacts of urbanization, pollution, and climate change on the region’s flora and fauna.