​indian fox | ​Vulpes bengalensis

Indian fox, also called the Bengal fox, is the smallest wild canid in India. It is found across large parts of western, central and peninsular India. Indian fox can be distinguished from the morphologically similar desert fox based on its black tail-tip. Indian foxes live in grasslands and agricultural fields, with a diet consisting of rodents and birds.
Population Trend: decreasing
IUCN • least concern
CITES • appendix III
WLPA • schedule II

• ID Features ​• 

• Habitats ​• 

Picture
DRY GRASSLANDS
Picture
DRY OPEN HABITATS
Picture
TROPICAL DRY FORESTS
Picture
SCRUB HABITATS
Picture
RURAL SETTLEMENTS
Picture
AGRICULTURE FIELDS
Picture
RAVINES/ MOUNDS
Picture
ROCKY OUTCROPS
Picture
PRODUCTION AGROFORESTS
Picture
WET GRASSLANDS

• Distribution • 

Estimated occupancy of Indian foxes across taluks/tehsils in India

• Score card •

Conservation score: 49 | Grade: D

Indian foxes occupy <40% of their potential habitats in India, with populations likely on the decline. The main threats they face may be habitat loss and competition with free-ranging/domestic dogs.
IMAGE CREDITS | COVER IMAGE: ANUROOP KRISHNAN | PROFILE: JAVAL SHAH