Which carnivores live around the Takla Makan Desert?

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Map of Asia highlighting the location of the Takla Makan Desert in northwestern China, with the desert area shaded in orange. Surrounding regions, including parts of Europe, Africa, and the Pacific Ocean, are shown for geographic context. An inset in the top right corner provides a global view with the desert's location marked. — Takla Makan Desert The Takla Makan Desert is flanked by high mountain ranges: the Tien Shan to the north, the Kunlun Mountains to the south, and the Pamirs to the west.

The animal life in the Takla Makan Desert is extremely sparse, with fauna diversity concentrated primarily in the peripheral regions, river valleys, and deltas where water and vegetation are present.

Among the carnivores found in these areas are wolves and foxes. While tigers were historically present in the region, they were exterminated by the beginning of the 20th century.1