Vulpes bengalensis
Bengal fox

Vulpes bengalensis is native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal and Pakistan and is widespread throughout its range. These foxes are found in the Himalayan foothills to the tip of the Indian peninsula. (Johnsingh and Jhala, 2004)

Bengal foxes generally prefer foothills and non-forested regions such as open grassland, thorny scrub, semi-desert and arid environments. They can also be found in agricultural fields, as they are not generally fearful of humans. Bengal foxes inhabit burrows built approximately two to three feet below ground surface. These burrows have several openings converging towards the center burrow area. Many of these openings are blind while others lead towards a large, central breeding space. (Johnsingh, 1978)

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)

Because of their low population densities, little is known about the lifespan of Bengal foxes in the wild. The average lifespan of Vulpes species generally ranges between 10 and 12 years, which may be indicative of the expected lifespan of V. bengalensis. The most significant cause of mortality is persecution by humans, as well as natural predation, roadkills, and human caused habitat degradation. Populations of Bengal foxes fluctuate naturally with prey availability. (Johnsingh and Jhala, 2004)

Bengal foxes are tame and generally not fearful of humans, making them vulnerable to hunting. In response to human presence, Bengal fox populations alter their active periods from daytime to crepuscular and nocturnal habits. In mild temperatures and cloudy weather, daytime hunting also occurs. Hunting is a solitary behavior in these foxes. The basic social unit is one breeding pair but larger aggregations may occur when grown pups remain in their natal area. Female Bengal foxes have been witnessed sharing dens during lactation and four adult foxes have been seen emerging from the same den. (Johnsingh, 1978; Manakadan and Rahmani, 2000)

Home Range

Home ranges consist of one or several dens and foraging area around the dens. These dens contain complex tunnel systems. Generally a den has 2 to 7 entrance tunnels, but a den with 43 tunnels has been noted. Dens are reused and become larger with use. A single den in the Gujarat region spanned 10 x 8 m. (Manakadan and Rahmani, 2000)

The common vocalization of Bengal foxes is a chattering cry that plays a major role in advertising territory. These foxes also growl, whimper, whine and "growl-bark." During the breeding season, males vocalize extensively during the early morning hours, at dusk, and at night. Scat and scent marking are also used to indicate territories and areas that have been recently hunted. (Henry, 1977; Johnsingh and Jhala, 2004)

Vulpes bengalensis is an omnivorous, opportunistic species that feeds mainly on insects, birds and their eggs, small rodents, reptiles, and fruits. While the primary diet of adults is insects, the fecal matter of pups is is composed primarily of rodent hair. Common prey includes orthopterans, termites, ants, beetle grubs, spiders, soft-furred rats (Millardia meltada), little Indian field mice (Mus booduga), Indian gerbils (Tatera indica), Indian mynahs (Acridotheres tristis), grey partridge (Francolinus ponticerianus), and ashy-crowned finch larks (Eremopterix griseus). Less common prey items include ground lizards, rat snakes (Ptyas mucuosus), hedgehogs (Parantechinus nudiventris), and Indian hares (Lepus nigricollis). They feed on fruits of ber (Ziziphus), neem (Azadirachta indica), mango (Mangifera indica), jambu (Syizigium cumini), and banyan (Ficus bengalensis). (Johnsingh, 1978; Manakadan and Rahmani, 2000)

Asiatic wolves (Canis lupus pallipes) and feral dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are recognized as natural predators of V. bengalensis. However, this predation does not appear to have a significant impact on population density. (Johnsingh and Jhala, 2004)

Bengal foxes prey on small rodents and birds and are subject to predation by Asiatic wolves and feral dogs (Canis lupus). More research should be conducted in order to fully understand the role Bengal foxes play in prey population cycles. Current research is investigating the potential for disease transfer from free-ranging domesticated dogs in agricultural regions to Bengal fox populations. At the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, an outbreak of distemper was responsible for a five fold change in population density over 3 years. Both Asiatic wolves (C. l. pallipes) and and jackals (C. aureus) appropriate and enlarge Bengal fox dens. (Johnsingh, 1978; Manakadan and Rahmani, 2000; Vanak, 2005)

Currently, no evidence suggests Bengal foxes are harmful to human populations. While these foxes inhabit agricultural areas, there are no reports of them raiding poultry or attacking sheep. They have been reported to carry rabies, distemper, and heartworm, like other canids. (Johnsingh and Jhala, 2004; Rao and Archarjyo, 1971; Vanak, 2005)

There is no formal trade for fur as it is seen as low quality, however local trades do exist for claws, skin, tails, and teeth for potential medicinal purposes or as charms. Bengal foxes may help to control populations of agricultural pests, such as orthopterans and small rodents. (Johnsingh and Jhala, 2004)

Data suggest declining numbers in V. bengalensis populations, but population estimates are difficult to come by. Several threats exist from human interactions with their environment. Bengal foxes are susceptible to habitat loss and degradation, persecution, roadkills, and changes in native species dynamics due to pathogens or parasites. The Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972 as amended up to 1991) prohibits hunting of all wildlife and lists the Bengal fox in Schedule II. Currently no active conservation efforts are in place. (Johnsingh and Jhala, 2004)

Bengal foxes are held in captivity in several places, where they seem to do well. In 2001, there were 15 males, 14 females, and 11 unsexed individuals in several zoos. (Johnsingh and Jhala, 2004)