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The Tibetan fox – also known as the Tibetan sand fox – is a distinctive, high-altitude hunter and one of the lesser-known members of the dog family.  

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What do Tibetan foxes look like?

With a narrow muzzle and tufted cheeks, the Tibetan fox has a narrow jaw and concave forehead, with much longer canine teeth than other foxes. They are known for their distinctive square-shaped heads, which are a result of their thick fur and well-developed jaw muscles, vital for hunting pikas. Their short muzzle contributes to this square-like shape. It is speculated that their flat faces have adapted to navigate through the harsh winds that blow across the Tibetan plateau.

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Where do Tibetan foxes live?

Native to the Tibetan Plateau, Nepal, China, Bhutan and parts of India, the Tibetan fox lives in high-altitude regions, typically inhabiting areas between 3,500 and 5,300 metres. They are well adapted to the harsh, cold and arid conditions of these high-altitude environments. While they are primarily solitary creatures, Tibetan foxes may form hunting partnerships with their mates.

What do Tibetan foxes eat?

Tibetan foxes predominantly prey on pikas, as well as rodents, marmots, hares, rabbits, small ground birds and lizards. They will also scavenge on the carcasses of large mammals and may even form mutually beneficial relationships with brown bears during hunts for pikas. The bears dig out the pikas, and the foxes grab them when they escape the bears.

As there are few trees in the landscapes they call home, Tibetan foxes tend to live in underground dens to hide from predators.

Tibetan foxes are a fairly new discovery, with sightings only first reported in India in 2005.   

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