Bengal Fox
From Freepedia
| Bengal Fox Conservation status: Data deficient | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
| Vulpes bengalensis (Shaw, 1800) |
Contents |
Range and Habitat
The Bengal Fox (Vulpes bengalensis) or Indian Fox is a fox, to be found in the southern Himalaya, in Nepal, India and Bangladesh.
Appearence
The Bengal fox is a medium sized fox, with a smooth, somewhat orange coat, pale underpants, and a black tip on its tail.
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)
Diet
The Bengal fox feeds on rats, reptiles, crabs, termites, small birds, and melons.
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. Mates are sometimes assisted by helpers (offspring from a previous year who stayed behind to aid their parents).
Threats
Hunting for its skin and flesh as well as exessive use of pesticides in agricultural fields have greately depleted its population. In addition, its body parts are used in traditional medicine, and in some areas it is eaten.
References
Lioncrusher's Domain -- Bengal Fox
-- IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group: Bengal Fox
-- BBC - Science & Nature - Wildfacts - Indian fox, Bengal fox
