Main Characteristics

Fennec Foxes are the smallest species of fox. They have a body length between 24 and 41 cms (9.5 - 16 inches), a tail length between 18 and 31 cms (7 - 12 inches) and they weigh between 1 and 1.5 kgs (2.25 - 3.25 lbs).

They are cream or fawn in colour and they have extremely large ears. The soles of their feet are covered in fur to prevent their pads from becoming burnt on the hot sands of their habitat.

Habitat

Fennec Foxes can be found in the deserts of northern Africa and western Asia.

Diet

Fennec Foxes feed on rodents, lizards, rabbits, insects, eggs, roots and fruit.

Breeding

After a gestation period of 50 - 53 days, Fennec Foxes give birth to a litter of 2 - 5 young in a den. They are weaned at 2 - 3 months and they reach sexual maturity at 6 - 11 months old.

Predators

Humans are predators of Fennec Foxes.

Subspecies

There are no subspecies of the Fennec Fox.

Interesting Facts

Fennec Foxes are also known as:
Fennec

Fennec Foxes have the largest ears relative to their body size of all the canid species.

Fennec Foxes can be kept as pets. In the USA and Canada there is a relatively established community of Fennec Fox owners and breeders.

Similar Animals

Cape Fox
Pale Fox
Bengal Fox
Swift Fox
Kit Fox
Rueppell's Fox
Blanford's Fox
Tibetan Sand Fox