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The aim of the research was to determine the status and to study aspects of the ecology of the fox species Vulpes vulpes arabica and Vulpes ruppelli sabea inside and outside a large fenced Protected Area, Mahazat as-Sayd in Saudi Arabia. V. ruppelli sabea was the most abundant small carnivore, with a density of 0.7-1.0 km(-2) which was about 12 times greater than V. vulpes arabica and both fox populations were greater inside Mahazat than outside. Annual survivorship of V. ruppelli sabea was 39% (based on Jolly-Seber method) and 70% (based on mean residence rate). The fox species had similar diets with small mammals and invertebrates being the most important components. V. ruppelli sabea population existed as pairs holding home ranges all year of 7.2 km(2) and producing 3.3 cubs on average. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.