420 MR. P. L. SCLATER ON RARE MAMMALS [June I, 
5. Canis FAMELICUS, Cretzschmar (?). 
Canis famelicus, Cretzschm. in Ripp. 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 San- 
dys Dawesa 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 be- 
lieve 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 Riippell’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 cor- 
rectly 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 rufes- 
cent. 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 Per- 
sian 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. 
«Tt 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 ad- 
jacent villages. The natives do not hunt near the sea-coast; but in 
the interior sport is very common. 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 me to obtain some more spe- 
cimens 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. 8. 1869, p. 149, et Rev. Cat. Vert. p. 49. 
