Bengal Fox

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Bengal Fox[1]
Conservation status
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
Range map

The Bengal Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), also known as the Indian Fox, 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.

Contents

[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. Head and body length is 18–24 in (46–61 cm), with a 10–14 in (25–36 cm) long tail. Typical weight is 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

  1. ^ Wozencraft, W. C. (16 November 2005). in Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds): Mammal Species of the World, 3rd edition, Johns Hopkins University Press, {{{pages}}}. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. 
  2. ^ Johnsingh, A.J.T. & Jhala, Y.V. (2004). Vulpes bengalensis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 2006-05-11. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern

[edit] External links

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