Population density of the Blanford's fox Vulpes cana in Jordan

Abstract

A survey of the Blanford’s fox was established in Jabal Masuda (Southern Jordan), to increase the knowledge of its density. Live-trapping method was used and capture mark-recapture technique was applied. We captured a total of 27 specimens including nine re-captured specimens. Density was determined using two methods: the Bondrup-Nielsen formula which identified 8.5 individuals per km², and the ArcGIS tools which showed values, between 0.177 to 9 individuals per km². This paper is the first to give measured information on the Blanford’s fox density in Jordan. As well, it showed that ArcGIS 9.3 Spatial Analyst Extension is an effective tool in establishing information on density in large spatial areas. The information provided could serve as a base for future monitoring of the Blanford’s fox’s range of occurrence.

The conservation status and distribution of the mammals of the Arabian Peninsula

“…It is regarded as not rare in suitable habitat in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. A capture-mark-recapture study on Jabal Masuda (Jordan) using two analyses found 8.5 animals/km², and 0.177-9/ km², which is higher than reported elsewhere (Eid et al, 2013).…”

“…All records are from the mountainous periphery of the Arabian Peninsula, except one from the Ibex Reserve in central Saudi Arabia which lies 800 km inland. In Jordan, this species was first recorded in 1996, from the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and has subsequently been recorded in Wadi Rum, Mujib, Petra and Jabal Masuda (Abu Eid et al, 2013). In Oman, this species was first recorded in 1985 when two were trapped on Jebel Samhan in Dhofar, and it has been camera trapped there regularly since then.…”

“…Blanford's fox prefers rocky mountainous areas. In Jordan, all known localities are in rocky sandstone areas including juniper woodland on Jabal Masouda (Eid et al, 2013).…”