Bengal Fox

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Order: Carnivora

Family: Canidae

Genus: Vulpes

Species: V.bengalensis

Range and Habitat

The Bengal fox ranges in India, Nepal and Pakistan. They avoid forested areas, instead preferring the foothills of the Himalayas and the open country areas of their range

Physical Appearance

The Bengal fox is a medium sized fox. Their coat is buff orange colored with paler underparts and a black tip on its tail.

Diet

The Bengal fox feeds on insects, birds, and small rodents. They will also eat melons.

Reproduction and Lifestyle

Bengal foxes live in pairs, but hunt alone. They have a gestation period of 53 days, after which four kits are born in a den. Couples may be assisted by helpers, members of a previous year's litter who stayed behind to help their parents. The members of the pair hunt separately. The individuals live at a low density, with one fox per 4 square miles (10 km sq.)

Threats

In the Himalayan foothills, the Bengal fox is hunted for sport and for its fur. Its body parts are used in traditional medicines. In some areas of their range, they are caught for food. They are distributed sparsely, with approximately one fox per 10 km².

References

Lioncrusher's Domain - Bengal Fox (Vulpes bengalensis) facts and pictures