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Show 420 MR. P. L. SCLATER ON RARE MAMMALS [June 1, 5. CANIS FAMELICUS, Cretzschmar (?). Canis famelicus, Cretzschm. in Biipp. Zool. Atl. p. 15, t. 5. Fennecus dorsalis, Gray, List of Carn. p. 207. On the 11th of June last year we received from Mr. Edwin Sandys Dawes a young Large-eared Fox, or Fennec, which he had obtained from the neighbourhood of Bushire, on the Persian Gulf. The animal unfortunately lost its tail from exposing itself to the attack of an evilly disposed neighbour shortly after its arrival; but with the exception that that organ has been restored from recollection, I believe Mr. Smit's sketch of it, which I now exhibit, is fairly accurate. The determination of this animal is a matter of some difficulty. It appears to be somewhat similar to the specimen presented to us by the Sinai Survey Expedition in 1869, which I determined as Canis famelicus*, only larger. But Biippell's figure of Canis famelicus does not show any black tip to the tail, which our present specimen certainly possessed, and I have much doubt whether it has been correctly referred to that species. Our Persian-Gulf animal is about two feet long, with long, pointed snout, and large, erect ears. It is generally of a greyish sandy colour, paler below; the upper back darker ; the lower back and face rufescent. The ears are black behind ; and there is a distinct black patch before each eye. The feet are pale rufous. The tail is stated to have been long and bushy, with a dark streak along its upper surface and terminated by a black tip. In answer to an inquiry respecting the exact locality and habits of this Fox, Mr. J. L. Oswald, of the same firm, was kind enough to send me the subjoined particulars:- " In answer to your note to Mr. Dawes relating to the young Persian Fox sent by him to the Society, I am sorry I can give you but little information of the habits of this animal in Persia. " It was captured within a short distance from the town of Bushire, where they are very numerous. The ground is rocky close to the sea-shore ; and the animals retreat into rocky cavities. They are, of course, predatory, and commit depredations in the hen-roosts of adjacent villages. The natives do not hunt near the sea-coast; but in the interior sport is very coriimon. The Foxes are easily captured with the aid of dogs ; and Europeans resident in the neighbourhood of Bushire frequently amuse themselves in the evening ferreting out these animals, which often take to the sea, seeking safety from the dogs. I conclude they are herbivorous, but often felt curious to ascertain their mode of subsistence. " Should you wish for another specimen, I shall be happy to be the means of obtaining it." Mr. Dawes and his friend promise m e to obtain some more specimens of this interesting animal, which will, I trust, serve to enable me to distinguish the species accurately. Meanwhile it is as well to record the existence of a Fox of this form on the Persian Gulf. * See P. Z. S. 1869, p. 149, et Rev. Cat. Vert. p. 49. |