Fennec foxes are the world’s smallest foxes. They are 36-41 cm (14-16 in.) long and weigh just 1-1.6 kg (2-3.5 lb.).
But though they are small, fennec foxes have exceptionally large, bat-like ears. This makes them very recognizable and very cute!
Adapted to the Desert
Also called desert foxes, fennec foxes inhabit the deserts and arid regions of northern Africa and the Sinai Peninsula. They have several adaptations to help them survive in this hot, dry habitat.
Their large ears help them listen for prey underneath the sand. Their ears also release heat, keeping them cool.
When it is very hot, fennec foxes pant rapidly. Their breathing rate can go from 23 breaths per minute to 690. This helps them cool down. They can also go long periods without water.
Their pale, sandy coloring reflects sunlight and helps the foxes blend in with their surroundings. Fennec foxes also have lots of fur on their feet which protects them from the hot ground. At night, when it’s cool, their thick coat keeps them warm.
Skilled Jumpers
Although they are small and have short legs, fennec foxes are skilled at jumping and running. They can jump up to 1 m (3 ft.) high and as far as 1.2 m (4 ft.)! And they can run as fast as 32 km/h (20 mph).
What Fennec Foxes Eat
Fennec foxes eat insects, small rodents, lizards, birds and eggs. They will also eat roots, fruits and leaves.
They mostly hunt at night to avoid the heat of the day. Using their large ears to detect movement in the sand, they dig with all four feet to uncover their prey.
Underground Dens
Fennec foxes live in underground dens up to 1 m (3 ft.) deep. Where the soil is loose, the den may consist of just one tunnel and a chamber.
But where the soil is compact, the dens can be more complex with many interconnected tunnels and chambers. It could have up to 15 entrances.
Family Groups
Though they hunt alone, fennec foxes live in family groups of up to 10 members. Usually the families include a set of parents, their offspring from the year before and their new offspring.
They communicate with each other using a range of sounds, including barks, whimpers, shrieks, squeaks, growls, howls and chatters.
Fennec Fox Reproduction
Fennec foxes are monogamous. They mate for life. Female fennec foxes have a gestation period of about 50 days.
In March-April, they give birth to 2-5 kits. The kits have fur, but they’re blind. Within the second week, the kits open their eyes, and by the end of two weeks, they can walk.
While the female nurses the kits, the male will hunt and bring food back for her. The kits are weaned at around 60-70 days.
Fennec fox foxes live about 10 years in the wild. Predators include Verreaux’s eagle-owls, jackals, caracals, and hyenas.
Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List classifies fennec foxes as a species of least concern and their population is stable. But they are threatened by habitat loss from human settlement. People also hunt fennec foxes for their fur and capture them for the illegal pet trade.
What You Can Do to Help
You can help fennec foxes by not keeping them as pets and not supporting the fur or pet trade.
Fennec Fox Range
More Fennec Fox Resources
- National Zoo’s Fennec Fox page
- National Geographic’s Fennec Fox page
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Library: Fennec Fox
- National Geographic Kids: Fennec Fox
Quick Fact Sheet
Common Name(s): Fennec Fox, Desert Fox
Scientific Name: Vulpes zerda
Animal Type: mammal
Size: 36-41 cm (14-16 in.) long
Weight: 1-1.6 kg (2-3.5 lb.)
Lifespan: 10 years
Conservation Status: Least Concern
About the Author
Abi Cushman is a contributing editor of Animal Fact Guide and My House Rabbit. She is also an award-winning author and illustrator of funny picture books for kids, including Wombats Are Pretty Weird and Flamingos Are Pretty Funky.
To learn more and to download free activity sheets, visit AbiCushman.com.
