Distribution of Himalayan Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), A New Neighbor to Humans in Lahaul & Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

The study aimed to assess the distribution of red fox using camera traps in Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. Generalized linear modelling was used to understand the influence of environmental factors governing the distribution of red fox. Total effort of 222 camera traps yielded 103 spatially independent records of Himalayan Red fox in Lahaul and Spiti. The top model insinuates that the distribution of Himalayan red fox is influenced by variables elevation and distance to village. The elevation (β= -0.0004) negatively influence the distribution of Himalayan red fox whereas distance to village (β = 0.003) indicated positive influence on the distribution of the species. Avoiding higher elevation areas and living in close vicinity with humans might be due to easy access to anthropogenic food/garbage sites without competing with other carnivores in the landscape. Playing a crucial role as a mesocarnivore, this species actively regulates prey populations, thereby contributing significantly to the maintenance of the food chain. Consequently, ensuring the stability of this species’ population becomes imperative for maintaining the ecological balance.