Fennec Fox

Fennecus zerda

Animal Class: Mammals

Height: 8 inches

Length: 9.5 to 16 inches

Weight: 2.2 to 3.3 pounds

Lifespan: 10-12 years

Diet: Fennec Foxes forage for plants but also eat rodents, eggs, reptiles, and insects.

Habitat: Dwell in the sandy Sahara and elsewhere in North Africa

Description: The fennec fox is the smallest of all the world’s foxes, but its large ears, measuring 6 inches (15 centimeters), appear to be on loan from a bigger relative. Their distinctive, bat-like ears radiate body heat and help keep the foxes cool. They also have long, thick hair that insulates them during cold nights and protects them from hot sun during the day. Even the fox’s feet are hairy, which helps them perform like snowshoes and protects them from extremely hot sand. The fox’s feet are also effective shovels for frequent digging—fennec foxes live in underground dens.

Our Animals: Hunter and George