Vulpes bengalensis (Shaw, 1800)

Bengal Fox

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) external link Showing: scientific names

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Table of Contents

Morphology

Physical Description

Source and Additional Information
Supplier
Animal Diversity Web external link
Copyright
©1995-2008, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors. Some rights reserved external link
Author
Pamela Meadors, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Editor
Link Olson, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Editor
Tanya Dewey, Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
Source URL
View original data object external link
Citation
Meadors, P. and L. Olson. 2007. "Vulpes bengalensis" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed October 26, 2009 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Vulpes_bengalensis.html. 

 

Bengal foxes are medium sized foxes. They have elongated muzzles and small patches of black hair on the upper portion of the muzzle. The most prominent feature of Bengal foxes is a large bushy tail accounting for up to 60% of their body length and possessing a distinct black tip. During normal movement, the tail is left trailing. When running the tail is carried horizontally. It is held vertically when these foxes make sudden turns. Dorsal pelage varies seasonally and within populations but is generally hoary gray on the dorsum and paler ventrally. Pelage on the ears is dark brown with a black margin. Their ears are large for their size and are possible an adaptation to thermoregulation in their hot, arid habitats. Dentition includes sharply pointed canines and and well developed molar teeth with a dental formula of 3/3-1/1-4/4-2/3 = 42. (Johnsingh and Jhala, 2004)

 
References
  • Johnsingh, A., Y. Jhala. 2004. Vulpes bengalensis (Shaw 1800). In Canids: Foxes, Wolves, Jackals, and Dogs. Status Survery and Conservation Action Plan, 2004: 219-222.
"Vulpes bengalensis (Shaw, 1800)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/327994". Accessed 22 Mar 2010.