The fennec fox (Vulpes zerda) is an African fox which has unusually large ears—probably an adaptation to radiate body heat. Fennec fox is the smallest of all foxes. It has an acute sense of hearing.
Adult foxes weigh as much 1.5–3.5 pounds with the body length measuring at 24 – 41 cm. The height of a fox is about 20.3 cm. Fennec fox has 18–31 cm long tail.
They are found in North Africa, including Sahara, Niger, Morocco, Sinai Peninsula, Kuwait, and Egypt.
Fennec foxes eat small mammals, birds, rodents, eggs, reptiles, rabbits, plants, and insects. Like most other desert animals, fennec foxes can survive longer periods without water.
Fennec fox is a social a
nimal and it is quite vocal. The fox produces purring or barking sounds. Males become aggressive during the mating season.
Foxes will dig dens in sand that measure 120 square meters. The den possesses as many as 15 entrances. The fox is a nocturnal species.
They are able to run at a speed of 25 miles per hour.
Foxes reach maturity at 9 months age. The female gives birth to 1 to 4 kits after a gestation period of 50 – 52 days.
The average lifespan of fennec fox is about 10 to 14 years in captivity.
Predators of fennec foxes are African eagle owls, caracals, domestic dogs, saluki, jackals, and striped hyenas.
