The Status of Nepal's Mammals: The National Red List Series - IUCN

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small black patches on the muzzle and black tear
marks around eye.
Species Ecology
The Bengal Fox occurs near human settlements and
in open degraded lands, preferring semi-arid flat
to undulating terrain occurring up to 1,350 m and
1,500 m. The Bengal Fox is an omnivorous species,
feeding on small mammals, wild birds and chickens,
arthropods, termites and fruits.
Age at first reproduction for the Bengal Fox is
approximately nine months, producing a litter of
two to four young after a gestation period of 50 to
53 days.
Conservation Status
Global: Least Concern
National: Vulnerable C1+2a(i)
Rationale for assessment: The Bengal Fox (Vulpes
bengalensis) has been nationally assessed as
Vulnerable under criterion C based on a small
population size of less than 2,500 mature
individuals, coupled with a continuous decline in
its population of approximately 10% over 10 years
based on observations and continued threats
causing this species decline. This species is
threatened by persecution, retaliatory killings in
response to livestock depredation and poaching
for its fur and these threats are likely to continue
to cause declines in this species’ population in
Nepal. The Bengal Fox is endemic to the Indian
subcontinent and it may be possible that individuals
move from India into in areas of suitable habitat in
Nepal, however further research needs to establish
whether such movement occurs.
Legal Status
National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029
(1973). This species occurs within protected areas.
National Population Size
Total: 500 - 2,500 (estimated)
Trend: Decreasing (estimated)
The current population size of this species is not
well known with current estimates ranging widely
between 500 up to 2,500 individuals. The
population is considered to be in decline.
National Distribution
This species has a large distribution including the
whole Terai region and up to the mid-hills. It is
present within Annapurna Conservation Area, Bardia
National Park, Chitwan National Park, Dhorpatan
Hunting Reserve, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Parsa
Wildlife Reserve and Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve.
Distribution outside Nepal
Bangladesh, India, Pakistan.
Main Threats
• Persecution as a pest species/ retaliatory killing
in response to depredation on livestock.
• Poaching for fur.
Conservation Measures in Place
None.
Conservation Recommendations
i) Conduct survey of this species in areas of suitable
habitats using camera trapping, radio collaring,
indirect sign surveys and community surveys
to establish baseline data on population status,
occupancy and threats.
ii) Increase education and awareness programmes
in areas where this species is present including
non-lethal methods of deterrents.
References
Pocock 1936, Mitchell 1977, Johnson et al. 1980, Ernst 2003, Gompper and Vanak 2006, Baral and Shah 2008,
Home and Jhala 2009, Nepal Red List of Mammals Field Technicians Workshop 2010.