Fennec Fox (Desert Fox) Fennecus zerda Mammal Order Carnivora Description The smallest fox: 9.5 - 16 inches long; tail 7 - 12 inches; 1.5 - 3.5 pounds. Creamy colored, relatively long and thick coat, with black-tipped heavily furred tail. Soles of feet furred; ears very large, up to 6 inches long. Range Northern Africa throughout the Sahara east to Sinai and Arabia. Status This species is not currently listed as endangered, but trade is regulated in some countries. Fennecs are intensively hunted by native Saharan people and have become rare in some parts of northwest Africa. Photo © James Rowan

Ecology Habitat Sandy desert; usually lives in sand burrows.   Niche Eats varied diet including plant material, small rodents, birds and bird eggs, lizards and insects. Can go for extended periods without water, but drinks freely if water is available. Nocturnal, terrestrial and subterrainean; lives in small groups of up to 10 individuals. Males mark territories with urine and become aggressive during breeding season, remain with mates after young are born and defend them, but do not enter maternal dens. Life History Mating occurs Jan-Feb in captivity. 2 - 5 young born late winter to early summer after about 7 weeks gestation. Young weaned after about 2 months, mature at about 11 months. Lifespan 10 - 12+ years. Special Adaptations Long, thick fur serves as insulation against hot air during the day and keeps animal warm during cold desert nights. Thick tail curled around body adds insulation. Short legs and large feet designed for digging. This animal digs so rapidly that it has the reputation of "sinking" into the ground. Feet with thickly furred soles enable animal to run in loose sand without sinking; hair acts to distribute weight over wider area. Large ears designed to move, helping animal to hear directional sounds; large ear size helps ears to function as heat radiators in hot desert; hairs growing inside ears helps prevent sand and insects from entering. Large nose and keen sense of smell help detect food or predators. Long whiskers help animal to sense its surroundings in the dark or in a burrow.