Physical description Turkmenian fox

illustration mivart s monograph of canidæ

compared northern cousins, skull of turkmenian fox has relatively large cranium weakly developed sagittal crest. overall, skull more paedomorphic of northern foxes. smallest subspecies of red fox inhabiting eurasia; adults attain body length of 49–57.5 centimetres (19.3–22.6 in), tail length of 33.5–39.5 cm (13.2–15.6 in), ear length of 7.7–10 cm (3.0–3.9 in) , weight of 2.2–3.2 kilograms (4.9–7.1 lb).

unlike other red fox subspecies, turkmenian fox either lacks reddish colour tones, or has in place light, sandy yellow tones. generally, dull-yellowish or grey tones predominate. head sandy or yellowish-creamy in colour, whitish muzzle. dark grey, reddish-brown or blackish-brown band present in front of eyes. outer surface of ears either pure black or brownish-black. cross-like figure formed overlapping yellow or brownish tones on upper neck, , shoulders. flanks grey, , typically more brightly coloured back. throat, chest , belly whitish or grey. feet grey dark stripes. not overly exploited fur trade, fur being ten times cheaper of northern foxes.