KUWAIT: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) has documented the spread of the Arabian red fox, recognized as the largest of the Arabian fox species and locally known as “Al-Hesni,” across Kuwait’s desert regions.
Dr Abdullah Al-Zaidan, Deputy Director General of the Technical Affairs Sector, told KUNA on Thursday that the Arabian red fox was recently observed in northern areas, including North Salmi and Mutlaa, as well as in the southern desert regions and nature reserves such as Al-Jahra and Sabah Al-Ahmad.
Al-Zaidan explained that wildlife camera traps and drones were used to study the species, one of the most widespread desert mammals, in its natural habitat. He noted that the fox is often found near urban centers, where food is easily accessible, including near camps and human settlements.







He highlighted the fox’s remarkable adaptability to harsh climates, enduring summer temperatures exceeding 50°C and winter temperatures near freezing. These carnivores are well-suited to the environmental and desert conditions.
Al-Zaidan added that male foxes are larger than females, with adult Arabian red foxes reaching a body length of about one meter, a tail length of around 40 cm, and an average weight of 2.7 to 4.5 kilograms. They typically live in underground burrows, are nocturnal, and exhibit reduced activity during the day.
The Arabian red fox primarily inhabits the Arabian Peninsula, and it is one of the most common wild species in Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and Yemen.
The EPA has been collaborating with the Scientific Center, an affiliate of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), on programs aimed at rehabilitating and releasing the Arabian red fox into Kuwait’s natural desert habitats.
The species is listed under Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to curb illegal fur trade. The Arabian red fox is also classified as “Least Concern” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Al-Zaidan reaffirmed the EPA’s commitment to protecting Kuwait’s ecosystems and conserving native desert wildlife by reducing habitat destruction and ensuring their sustainability for future generations. —KUNA