Not many people have heard of the fennec fox. Once I saw this adorable creature in a zoo, I found a connection with it. This little fox may not be your favorite animal, but it is certainly mine. The fennec fox's habitat is the Sahara Desert and can be found in the deserts of the Northern Africa and Northern Sinai.
Description
The fennec fox is the smallest fox in the world, weighing 2 to 3 pounds and the length is its body ranging from 9 to 16 inches. They have thick fur which keeps them warm during frigid cold nights in the desert as well as protects them from the heat of the day. Their fur is a light beige color with a white underbelly, which helps the fox blend into its environment. One noticeable characteristic of the fennec fox is its oversized ears, which are around 6 inches long. Their ears helps to regulate their body temperature and keep them cool. They are nocturnal, spending daylight within their dens and becoming more active at night when temperatures are cooler.
Life Span and Status
Fennec foxes live up to 10 years in the wild and 12-13 years in human care. The IUCN Red List of Endangered Species lists the fennec fox as least concern, meaning there are no immediate threats significant damage to their population of habitat.
Diet
The fennec fox is an omnivore. In the wild, they consume mostly plants, leaves, fruits and roots. They will also eat eggs, insects, rodents and small reptiles when available. They have a keen sense of hearing and smell, which helps them locate potential prey. Fennec foxes can live for an indefinite amount of time without drinking water. Most of the hydration they need comes from the plants, fruits, and animals they consume.
Fun Facts
Fennec foxes have thick fur on the on the soles of their feet that protects them against the scorching hot sands of the desert! This fur also gives them greater traction while walking on loose sand.