Meet the fennec fox: thriving mostly in the Northern part of the Sahara, fennec foxes are nocturnal creatures with giant ears and cream colored fur. They are the smallest member of the canid family, though they have the biggest ears of any other fox. There is much debate over their biological classification: Some say they’re part of the Vulpes genus with the other foxes, while others argue that they’re distinct enough to be a part of their own gene pool, Fennecus. Such distinctions include the lack of a musk gland, and a very social demeanor which is uncharacteristic of foxes. The differences don’t stop there, as the fennec fox has a number of adaptions that allows it to thrive in the hot, Saharan desert.
The fennec fox is the smallest fox in the world!
They are found in the Sahara desert of North Africa.
They are specially adapted to live in hot and dry climates.
The fennec fox's ears measure around six inches long.
These large ears help dissipate heat.
Fennec foxes form monogamous pairs and live together with their offspring.
Fennec foxes are known to purr, just like a housecat.
They have specialized kidneys that prevent water loss, and are able to survive without drinking - instead, they get water by eating plants and fruits.
Fennec foxes have such sensitive hearing, they can hear prey moving underground.
Fennec foxes are the national animal of Algeria.
These creatures are able to navigate hot sands thanks to the thick fur that protects their feet.
Fennec foxes dig themselves dens in the sand to live in.
These dens can be up to 120 square metres, with multiple different entrances.
Fenec foxes weigh between 1.5 - 3.5 lbs.
Fennec foxes are nocturnal and hunt under the cool of night.
Unlike other fox species, fennec foxes lack a musk gland.
Also unlike other foxes, these creatures are extremely social..
Fennec foxes are omnivorous and eat plants, rodents, insects, birds, eggs and rabbits.
They're very skilled jumpers, able to leap 2 ft high and 4 ft forward, which is useful when catching prey.
The fennec fox's main predator is the eagle owl.
Sadly, foxes are hunted for their fur, or trapped for sale in the pet trade.
However, thanks to frequent sightings of these creatures in the wild, they are not considered endangered.
Fennec foxes are born with their ears folded over and their eyes closed.
The eyes first open after about 10 days, and the ears unfold shortly after.
