Binghamton Zoo Animals

Fennec Fox

(Vulpes zerda)
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Vulpes
Species: Vulpes zerda

HABITAT AND RANGE: Fennec foxes live in desert regions, especially in sandy areas where there are dunes. They range from Africa, north of the Sahara, to Arabia and the Sinai Peninsula.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: The smallest member of the Canid family, the fennec fox is well adapted to life in the desert. From nose to the base of the tail, the fox measures 14-16 inches long. The tail measures an additional 6-12 inches. It typically stands 8 inches at the shoulder and weighs about 3 pounds. Fennecs are pale in color, usually white, fawn or reddish-buff. The underparts of the fox are usually buff-white and the tip of the tail is black, as is the nose. Huge triangular ears that can be 4-6 inches tall dissipate large amounts of heat. The fur is very soft, fine and very thick. It serves as insulation against both heat and cold extremes. The soles of the feet are densely covered with fur to protect the pads from the hot desert sand.

ADAPTATIONS: The fennec fox is one of the most sociable of the foxes and often lives in small groups of 10-15 individuals. Typically these groups are extended family. The young stay with their parents for a long time and then may make their own dens nearby. The fennecs prefer to be out at dawn, dusk and night, making them crepuscular and nocturnal. The huge ears and light colored fur effectively radiate excess body heat, while the small, pointed nose limits the amount of amount loss. Their fur also gives them excellent camouflage in the sand. The fennec is active, agile and very fast over short distances. They can jump about two feet straight up from a standing position and can make a horizontal leap of four feet.

DIET: Fennec foxes are mainly carnivores, but spend some time eating an omnivorous diet. They eat insets, small rodents, birds, bird eggs, lizards, tubers and some other vegetable matter. They can dig at great speed to catch prey or to escape an enemy. They have also been known to climb date palms to reach the fruit. They can go for long periods without water, but will drink freely when water is available.

REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT: Fennecs have a permanent den that acts as shelter from enemies and climate as well as a place to rear their young. Mating occurs in January to February and, after a gestation period of around 50 days, the young are born in March or April. They typically have 2-5 pups.

STATUS IN WILD: The fennec foxes are hunted by the native people of the Sahara. They are a rare animal, however, little is known about the status of wild fennec fox populations.