Fennec Foxes

Fennec Foxes Sophia Nunley

scientific Name

Vulpes zerda

Range

Fennec foxes dwell in the sandy Sahara and elsewhere in North Africa.

Diet

FENNEC FOXES ARE OPPORTUNISTIC EATERS. THEY FORAGE FOR PLANTS BUT ALSO EAT RODENTS, EGGS, REPTILES, AND INSECTS. LIKE MOST DESERT DWELLERS, THE FENNEC FOX HAS DEVELOPED THE ABILITY TO GO FOR LONG PERIODS WITHOUT WATER.

Physical Description

FENNEC FOXES ARE OPPORTUNISTIC EATERS. THEY FORAGE FOR PLANTS BUT ALSO EAT RODENTS, EGGS, REPTILES, AND INSECTS. LIKE MOST DESERT DWELLERS, THE FENNEC FOX HAS DEVELOPED THE ABILITY TO GO FOR LONG PERIODS WITHOUT WATER.

Breeding Information

The breeding season of the Fennec Fox occurs January through to March and births occur only once a year. After a gestation period of 52 days, a litter of 2 – 5 young are born. The young weigh around 50 grams and have grey skin at birth. The males are kept away from the maternal den until the young are older. The young suckle their mothers milk for about 4 – 5 weeks. The life span of the Fennec Fox is up to 12 years.

Special Behavior/Unique Anatomy

The fennec fox is the smallest of all the world's foxes, but its large ears, measuring 6 inches, appear to be on loan from a bigger relative.

Weird/Interesting Information

Fennec foxes mate for life. A couple produces one litter of 2-5 pups per year, and the offspring from one litter may stay with the family even as the next litter of pups is born. When the female is pregnant and nursing the pups, her mate will bring her food and also acts highly protective of her.

Video

Fennec Fox Video

The End

Appreciate

Credits:

Created with images by Keith Roper - "Fennec Fox" • Peter Kaminski - "Fennec Fox" • Derek Keats - "Fennec (Vulpes zerda)" • timparkinson - "Fennec Fox @ Africa Alive, Lowestoft" • eviltomthai - "Fennec Fox (耳廓狐)" • Yvonne in Willowick Ohio - "untitled image" • Keith Roper - "Fennec Fox" • LonewolfAlphaCoders - "fennec fox zoo"

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