The pads of its paws are covered with dense fur, which facilitates walking on hot, sandy soil. The dental formula is 3.1.4.2 3.1.4.3 × 2 = 42 with small and narrow canines. It has dark streaks running from the inner eye to either side of the slender muzzle. The ear to body ratio is greatest in the canid family and likely help in dissipating heat and locating vertebrates. The edges of the ears are whitish, but darker on the back. Its long ears have longitudinal reddish stripes on the back and are so densely haired inside that the external auditory meatus is not visible. The fur of the fennec fox is straw-coloured. Its name comes from this species' name in Arabic: fanak ( فَنَك). The fennec's fur is prized by indigenous peoples of North Africa, and in some parts of the world, it is considered an exotic pet. The fennec is usually assigned to the genus Vulpes however, this is debated due to differences between the fennec and other fox species. Knowledge of social interactions is limited to information gathered from captive animals. Precise population figures are not known but are estimated from the frequency of sightings these indicate that the fennec is currently not threatened by extinction. Fennec families dig out burrows in the sand for habitation and protection, which can be as large as 120 m 2 and adjoin the burrows of other families. Its main predators are the Verreaux's eagle-owl, jackals, and other large mammals. The fennec has a life span of up to 14 years in captivity and about 10 years in the wild. It mainly eats insects, small mammals, and birds. Also, its hearing is sensitive to hear prey moving underground. Its coat, ears, and kidney functions have adapted to the desert environment with high temperatures and little water. The fennec is the smallest canid species. Its most distinctive feature is its unusually large ears, which serve to dissipate heat. Insects are tasty enrichment items.The fennec fox is a small crepuscular fox native to the Sahara Desert and the Sinai Peninsula. Being desert dwellers, they have adapted to living with very little water most of the water they need comes from the plants they consume.Īt the San Diego Zoo the fennec fox receives canine kibble, carnivore meat diet, and mixed vegetables. Their large ears provide impeccable hearing to locate prey. They enjoy insects, rodents, snails, lizards, plants, fruits, roots, and eggs. These foxes are omnivores, feasting on a variety of prey as nighttime hunters. They emerge from their dens at dusk to begin the search for food. They spend most of the day in an underground burrow avoiding the desert heat. Although considered to be solitary, Fennec foxes live in small communities of around 10 individuals, with dens being close in proximity or in some cases connected to one another.įennec foxes are mostly nocturnal animals. ![]() These cool dens can be up to 3 feet deep. They burrow into sand dunes during the day, to avoid the extreme heat. The home range of these foxes is widespread throughout the deserts of the Sahara and throughout North Africa. Their heat-reflecting coat also provides excellent camouflage in their surroundings.įennec foxes live in deserts and semi-desert habitats. Their nocturnal nature keeps them safe from animal predators. Large diurnal predators such as birds of prey or hyenas could catch them if the foxes journey outside the burrow, so staying inside during the day is sensible for this little creature. Safety in burrows: Humans are an ominous predator of the fennec fox, as the animals are trapped in some areas and sold into the pet trade or even hunted for their lush fur. They even have fur on their feet that protects their footpads from the scorching ground. They have a thick, sandy-colored coat that keeps them warm at night and reflects the sunlight during the day. Those ears not only help them listen for prey underground, but also serve to dissipate excess heat of the desert. The fennecs are most recognizable by their large ears, reaching 4 to 6 inches in length. These pint-sized canids are extremely adaptable in their native desert environment. ![]() With their most notable characteristic being their large ears, they are always a favorite. ![]() Meet the fennec fox: While it is the smallest fox in the world, the fennec fox possesses tons of cuteness and charm.
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