Bengal Fox

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bengal Fox

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Canidae
Genus:	Vulpes
Species:	V. bengalensis

Binomial name

Vulpes bengalensis
(Shaw, 1800)

Range map

1 Range and Habitat
2 Appearance
3 Diet
4 Reproduction and Living
5 Threats
6 References
7 External links

[edit] Range and Habitat

The Indian fox (Vulpes bengalensis) is a fox endemic to the Indian subcontinent and is found from the Himalayan foothills and Terai of Nepal through southern India and from southern and eastern Pakistan to eastern India and southeastern Bangladesh

[edit] Appearance

Vulpes bengalensis is a relatively small fox with an elongated muzzle, long pointed ears, and a bushy tail ca. 50 to 60% length of head and body. Dorsal pelage is grayish and paler ventrally; legs tend to be brownish or rufous. Tail is bushy with prominent black tip. Back of ears are dark brown with black margin. Rhinarium is naked and lips are black, with small black hair patches on upper part of muzzle in front of eyes. Extensive variation in coat color may occur between populations and seasonally within populations, but generally varies from grey to pale brown.

Shoulder Height: ?

Head and Body Length: 18-24 in (45-60 cm)

Tail Length: 10-14 in. (25-35 cm)

Weight: 5-9 lb. (2-4 kg)

[edit] Diet

The Bengal fox feeds on rodents, reptiles, crabs, termites, insects, small birds, and fruits.

[edit] Reproduction and Living

Although the Bengal fox lives in pairs, it hunts alone. It undergoes a gestation period of 53 days; after, four kits are born in a den.

[edit] Threats

Hunting for its skin and flesh as well as conversion of its grassland habitat have affected its population density. In addition, its body parts are used in traditional medicine, and in some areas it is eaten.

[edit] References

Johnsingh & Jhala (2004). Vulpes bengalensis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern