Fennec Fox Fact Sheet

Class:
Mammalia 
Order:
Carnivora
Family:
Canidae
Genus:
Vulpes
Species:
V. zerda
Life span:
14 years under human care 
Gestation:
50 – 52 days
Number of young at birth:
1 – 4 kits
Age of maturity:
9 months
Size:
9 – 16 in. long
8 in. tall
Weight:
1.5 – 3.5 lb
Habitat:
North Africa and Asia, Arid desert regions
Diet:
rodents, birds, eggs, lizards and insects

 

Fun Facts:

  • Have the largest ears relative to body size of any canid. The ears reach lengths of up to six inches and act as radiators, allowing the fox to regulate its body temperature in the hot dessert.

  • Small canid with a sandy color coat.  Provides camouflage and protection from cold desert nights

  • Feet have hairy soles to protect them from hot sand

  • May share an extensive burrow system with up to 12 other individuals

  • They communicate with a high pitched yelplow quiet growl

  • These foxes are nocturnal. They hide from heat in sand burrows during the day.

 

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