fennec fox

The Fennec fox’s  (Vulpes zerda) lifespan averages 10-12 years and their range is northern Africa, throughout the Sahara Desert, East to the Sinai Peninsula and Arabia. Unfortunately, fennecs are only listed as “least concerned” as there are no current statistics or reliable data of their numbers in their wild habitat. Hunted by people of the Sahara, they are now rare in parts of north-western Africa.  The primary threat appears to be trapping for their fur for commercial use and for sale to tourists.Their adorable appearance makes them favorites of the captive pet trade. New permanent human settlements in southern Morocco have resulted in the disappearance of fennecs in these areas. Fennec foxes are of no threat to people and their livestock. Fennecs are important small hunters helping to control the populations of several pests, including rodents and locusts. The over-population of rodents poses a direct threat to the environment and agricultural crops making fennec foxes extremely important to the balance of this ecosystem. The fennic fox seems to be the only carnivore in the Sahara Desert able to live well without free water. Their kidneys are adapted to restrict water loss. The batlike ears radiate body heat, keeping the foxes cool and long, thick pelt insulates during cold nights, protecting from hot sun, reflecting heat providing excellent camouflage. Even the fox’s feet are hairy, helping them perform like snowshoes, protecting from hot sand and are effective shovels for frequent digging. Fennec foxes are opportunistic eaters, their diet includes snails, lizards, rodents, birds, eggs, fruits and berries. They forage for plants but also eat reptiles, insects and small mammals. Families of Fennecs dig out dens in sand for habitation and protection, which can be as large as 120 m² (1,292 sq ft) and adjoin the dens of other families. There are about 3 young born in March-April. Fennecs live in small communities of around 10 in their underground dens. They are fastidious without strong odor. Their main predators, aside from mankind, include the Caracal and the African varieties of Eagle Owl. When approached, the captive fox will normally cower, lay on its side, yelp and wag its tail. They have also been known to purr. Fennec Foxes are legally protected in Morocco (including Western Sahara), Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt.