Fennec fox
Scientific name: Vulpes zerda
IUCN listed as: Least Concern
Learn before you visit!
Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.
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Diet
Fennec foxes are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders, consuming a diet that includes small mammals, birds, insects, and various plants. They are nocturnal hunters, using their large ears to detect prey underground. Their diet is supplemented with fruits and leaves, which also provide them with necessary hydration in their arid desert habitat. In captivity, their diet includes a mix of canine kibble, meat, and vegetables to ensure balanced nutrition. This varied diet helps them thrive in the harsh conditions of the Sahara Desert.
Fennec foxes eat small animals, bugs, and plants. They hunt at night using their big ears to hear prey underground. They also eat fruits and leaves to get water. In zoos, they get a mix of food to stay healthy.
Breeding
Fennec foxes are monogamous, typically forming lifelong pairs. Breeding season occurs once a year, with females giving birth to litters of 2-5 kits after a gestation period of around 50 days. The kits are born blind and rely entirely on their mother for the first few weeks of life. They are weaned at about two months old and reach sexual maturity at around 10 months. The family structure and parental care are crucial for the survival of the young in the wild.
Fennec foxes have babies once a year. They usually have 2-5 kits that are born blind. The mother takes care of them until they are about two months old. The kits grow up quickly and can have their own babies when they are 10 months old.
Habitat
Fennec foxes are native to the deserts of North Africa, including the Sahara, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. They live in sandy deserts and semi-deserts, where they dig extensive burrows to escape the extreme heat of the day. Their burrows can be up to 3 feet deep and provide a cool refuge. Habitat loss due to human encroachment and climate change poses a threat to their populations, although they are currently classified as Least Concern. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their natural habitats and mitigating the impacts of the illegal pet trade.
Fennec foxes live in the deserts of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. They dig deep burrows to stay cool during the hot day. Their sandy homes are perfect for hiding and hunting. Protecting their desert homes is very important.
At the zoo
In zoos, fennec foxes are kept in enclosures that replicate their natural desert habitats, including sand and burrows for digging. Zoos play a significant role in the conservation of fennec foxes through breeding programs and public education. These foxes are provided with a diet similar to their natural diet, along with enrichment activities to stimulate their natural behaviours. Zoos help raise awareness about the threats fennec foxes face in the wild, such as habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. Research in zoos contributes to our understanding of their behaviour and needs.
In zoos, fennec foxes live in sandy enclosures with places to dig. Zoos help protect them by breeding them and teaching people about them. They get good food and toys to keep them active. Zoos also study them to learn more about their needs.
Behaviour
Fennec foxes are highly adapted to their desert environment, with nocturnal habits to avoid daytime heat. They are social animals, living in family groups of up to 10 individuals. Communication is facilitated through a variety of vocalizations, such as barks and whines, and scent markings. Their large ears not only help them hear prey but also dissipate heat. Fennec foxes are excellent diggers, creating complex burrow systems for shelter and protection.
Fennec foxes are active at night and sleep during the day. They live in groups and use sounds and smells to talk to each other. Their big ears help them hear well and stay cool. They dig burrows to live in and stay safe.
Fun facts
- Big Ears: Fennec foxes have ears that can be half as long as their bodies.
- Fast Runners: They can run up to 20 miles per hour.
- Small Size: They are the smallest fox species, weighing about 3.5 pounds.
- Desert Adapted: They get most of their water from the food they eat.
- Family Life: They live in family groups and are very social.
- Huge Ears: Fennec foxes have big ears that help them hear prey and stay cool.
- Speedy: They can run really fast, up to 20 miles per hour.
- Tiny Foxes: They are the smallest foxes, weighing only about 3.5 pounds.
- Desert Life: They don’t need much water because they get it from their food.
- Social Animals: They live in family groups and are very friendly with each other.
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