The Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, known for its pristine Himalayan ecosystem, is facing a growing ecological imbalance. Free-ranging dogs—drawn to food waste and livestock carcasses near villages—are disrupting the valley’s delicate food web and forcing red foxes to change their behavior.
A new study by researchers from NCBS–TIFR and the Nature Conservation Foundation reveals that red foxes, native to the Trans-Himalayan region, are adapting in surprising ways to survive alongside these aggressive newcomers.
🔍 Key Findings
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Dogs dominate food resources like waste dumps and carcasses, reducing access for foxes and other scavengers.
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Red foxes have adapted by becoming more nocturnal and vigilant, avoiding direct encounters with dogs.
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Despite competition, fox sightings are higher near dog-dense villages, likely due to greater food availability.
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The overlap between dog and fox activity is lowest where dog numbers are highest, showing clear temporal avoidance.
Ecological Concerns
The rise of free-ranging dogs threatens native wildlife by spreading diseases, preying on livestock, and altering natural prey dynamics. Scientists urge better waste management, dog sterilization, and community awareness to protect fragile Himalayan food webs.
Conclusion
Spiti’s red foxes may be adapting, but their resilience has limits. The growing influence of free-ranging dogs shows how human-driven change—even indirect—can ripple through ecosystems once considered remote and untouched.
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