The Corsac Fox Explained

The corsac fox is a medium-sized mammal across Central Asian steppes and semi-deserts. The name comes from the Russian word korsak.

Adults weigh 1.6 to 3.2 kilograms with grey to yellowish fur. Winter coat thickens and turns straw-grey.

Scent glands on paws and cheeks produce pungent odors. Eau de fox paw.

This corsac fox watches for voles, gerbils, jerboas, hamsters, and ground squirrels. Can forego food and water for extended periods.

Corsac fox ascends tree trunks with ease.

Deep snow blocks hunting, so northern populations migrate up to 600 km south in winter.

These corsac foxes mate January to March. Gestation lasts 52 to 60 days; females birth two to six young.

Humans have harvested corsac foxes for fur since the Bronze Age. IUCN lists them as least concern. Least concern is cold comfort for pelts.