Difference Between Arctic Fox and Indian Fox

Arctic Fox vs Indian Fox

Arctic Fox vs Indian Fox | Bengal Fox (Indian Fox) vs Polar fox ( Arctic Fox or Snow fox)

The presence of carnivores in an ecosystem proves its ecological richness, and these both are carnivores in general. Indian fox and Arctic fox are two important animals with many differences between them. As their names sound, the geographical distribution is one main difference between them, but there are many, and this article emphasizes most of the important distinctions about Arctic and Indian foxes.

Indian Fox

Indian fox, aka Bengal fox, is a special and important mammalian endemic to the Indian subcontinent. The general profile of an Indian fox could be described as a small mammal with a long body, an elongated muzzle, two long-pointed ears, and a bushy tail. The tail has black point, which is a prominent feature among them. Their pointed and erected ears are brown in colour, and the black margins are important to notice. The mouth is black in colour and the presence of small black hair patches in front of the upper part of the eyes should be noticed. Their coat colour is variable across populations and seasons. However, the coat is commonly greyish with paler under parts. Usually, they hide under vegetation or inside small burrows during the daytime and come out at night. In other words, they are nocturnal or crepuscular. Although they are introduced as carnivores, Indian foxes are omnivores feeding on rodents, reptiles, crabs, termites, and some fruits as well depending on the availability. They are highly vocal animals. Their sexual relationships are important to consider, as Indian foxes are pair bonded either for a long time or the entire lifetime. According to IUCN, they are not threatened, but people believe that the Indian fox is in a threatened situation because of hunting for their skin.

Arctic Fox

Arctic fox, aka Polar fox, or Snow fox, lives in the arid tundras of the Arctic region. Their coat is snow white in colour during the winter season, and it becomes browner during the warmer season of the year. Those colour variations make sure these carnivores cannot be seen easily for their prey items. One of the significant features of the Arctic fox is the presence of the thick coat of fur and the fat bodies to facilitate insulation against the extreme cold in the Arctic tundras. Characteristically, they have a round shaped body that ensures a low surface area to volume ration in order to conserve body heat. Their short muzzle, small legs, and small ears should be noticed as prominent features of them. For example, small ears make sure that there is only a little heat loss is permitted. Both mother and father help each other to raise their offspring known as kits. They stay as pairs during the breeding season, but those do not last forever.