Species · GBIF taxon 5219308
Bengal Fox
Vulpes bengalensisAlso known as Indian Fox
Bengal foxes are small, slender canids distinguished by their long, bushy tails with prominent black tips. They are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, excavating complex, multi-entrance den systems in open grasslands and scrub forests. These adaptable predators play a vital ecological role by controlling rodent and insect populations across the Indian subcontinent.
NocturnalGrasslandCanid
Licensed reference(c) Mvshreeram, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Rodents
- Insects
- Lizards
Predators
- Feral Dogs
- Golden Jackals
- Birds of Prey
ThreatsHabitat loss, disease transmission from feral dogs, and hunting
HabitatsGrasslands, scrublands, semi-arid regions, and agricultural fields
Life span6 to 8 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCanidae
- SpeciesVulpes bengalensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- May bite if cornered and can carry rabies; observe from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Can deliver a painful defensive bite if cornered and is a known vector for rabies and canine distemper.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a small, greyish-brown fox with a long, bushy tail ending in a distinct black tip.
- What to do
- Never attempt to corner, feed, or handle wild foxes; contact local wildlife authorities if one appears sick.
- What to notice
- Recognized by its slender build, large ears, and black-tipped tail in open grassland habitats.
- Support conservation
- Avoid disturbing den sites during the breeding season from October to March.
Responsible observation
- Keep your distance: Avoid approaching active den sites to prevent scaring parents away from their pups.
- Use binoculars: Spot them during dawn or dusk in open grasslands where they are most active.
- Secure food waste: Do not leave food scraps near campsites, as this habituates them to humans.
Competitor (c) Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová · cc-by
Close Relative "Red Fox" by Mike's Birds is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
Close Relative
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