Details
Vulpes bengalensis
Indian fox is a small fox of open Indian subcontinent grasslands, recognizable by its black tail tip. Grassland conversion and contact with dogs can affect local populations.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses dry grassland, farmland, semi-desert, and village edges in India, Nepal, Pakistan, and nearby areas. Main habitat types in this guide are grassland, desert, urban.
Typical length 45-60 cm, weight 2.3 kg-4.1 kg. Slender legs, fairly large ears, silver-gray fur, and a black tail tip are typical.
It is most active around dawn and dusk and often seen in pairs. It uses burrow systems and searches for small prey mainly around dawn and dusk.
It is omnivorous. Rodents, lizards, insects, bird eggs, and fruit are taken.
Pairs rear pups in dens, and young grow while playing near the burrow entrance.
Although still widespread in places, it remains sensitive to habitat change. Grassland conversion and contact with dogs can affect local populations.
