Sand Fox or Rueppell's Fox

The counterpart to Blandford's fox in the sands is the even smaller Rueppell's or sand fox (Vulpes rüpellii sabaea). Although rarely seen, it appears to be widespread in the Liwa and in the soft sand dunes south of Al Ain. Some old records also mention it from Jebel Ali near Dubai, but this has not been reconfirmedduring recent years. Similar in build to Blandford's fox it is a little smaller, with a bushy tail, large ears and reddish-brown facial markings. The animal is very light in colour, which helps it deflect the sunlight and serves as camouflage in the dunes. Active at night, when it hunts rodents, birds and insects, it spends the day in any place that provides shelter from the scorching sun.