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Bengal fox facts for kids

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Bengal fox
Bengal Fox - Shreeram M V - Rajasthan, India.jpg
Bengal fox in Thar Desert, Rajasthan
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Vulpes
Species:
bengalensis
Vulpes-bengalensis-map.png
Range map
Synonyms

Canis kokree,Canis rufescens, Canis indicus, Vulpes xanthura

The Bengal fox (Vulpes bengalensis), also known as the Indian fox, is a fox endemic to the Indian subcontinent from the Himalayan foothills and Terai of Nepal through southern India, and from southern and eastern Pakistan to eastern India and southeastern Bangladesh.

Appearance

Indian Fox 2 at Rajkot
Bengal fox at Rajkot

Vulpes bengalensis is a relatively small fox with an elongated muzzle, long, pointed ears, and a bushy tail about 50 to 60% of the length of the head and body.

Its dorsal pelage is very variable, but mostly grayish.

The tail is bushy with a prominent black tip.

The head and body length is 18 in (46 cm), with a 10 in (25 cm) long tail. Typical weight is 5 to 9 pounds (2.3 to 4.1 kg).

Bengal Fox Pup
2-3 week old pup at the Little Rann of Kutch; notice the black tail tip

Distribution and habitat

Indian Fox at Little Rann of Kutch
Female Bengal fox at den site in the Little Rann of Kutch
Indian Fox in a Grassland
Male Bengal fox

The Bengal fox is distributed throughout much of the Indian subcontinent with the exception of the wet forests and the extreme arid zone. Its range is bounded by the Himalayas and the Indus River valley. Its preferred habitat is short open grassland, scrub or thorn forest. It appears to avoid steep terrain and tall grassland. It was considered to be a habitat generalist, but it shows a strong preference for semiarid, short grassland habitats at multiple scales.

Behaviour and ecology

Vulpes bengalensis fur skin
Bengal fox pelt

Bengal foxes are mainly crepuscular in their habits. During the heat of the day, they hide under vegetation or in subterranean dens that they dig. The dens are large and complex with multiple chambers and escape routes. They are sometimes seen basking at a vantage point around sunrise or sunset. In captivity, the lifespan is about 6 to 8 years.

Diet

The Bengal fox feeds on rodents, reptiles, crabs, termites, insects, small birds, and fruits. Scats of young pups appeared to show that they fed mainly on rodents but are opportunistic feeders.

Indian Fox in Siruguppa
Bengal fox

Communication

Foxes make a wide range of vocalizations. A chattering cry is the most common call. They also growl, whine, whimper, and bark. They can be heard howling in the night in groups.

Reproduction

The Bengal fox forms pair bonds that may last a lifetime. After a gestation period around 50–60 days, two to four pups are born in a den. Both parents participate in pup-rearing. The pups are fully weaned about 3–4 months after emerging from the den.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Zorro de Bengala para niños

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