The fennec fox is perhaps one of the most beautiful mammals in the world. They are known for their small size and comparatively giant ears. The Fennec Fox is 9.5 to 16 inches long with a tail measuring 7 to 12.2 inches, and at average weight between 2.2 and 3.3 pounds. Despite these small measurements, the fox has ears that are 6 inches long, over a fourth of its total body and tail length. For comparison, if my ears were a fourth of my height they would be about a foot and a half in length.
These small foxes live in the Sarah desert and other areas of North Africa. They are nocturnal, allowing them to sleep during the scorching desert days and forage for food at night. Fennecs are completely covered in hair. Even their paws are insulated as to protect from the heat of the sands. Their feet allow them to be very effective diggers, so that they can make their homes in underground dens.
These foxes live communally, usually with 10 fennecs per living group. Due to their heated living conditions, they have developed the ability to go without water for long periods of time.
So, what’s up with the large ears? Scientists have determined two main reasons for the large size of a fennec fox’s ears. One is that their ear size helps them hear prey that may be lurking underground, and a second is that they help the foxes release heat so they can survive better in the desert.
Unfortunately, the supreme cuteness of these animals has made them popular as domestic pets and popular among hunters for their pelts.
These small foxes live in the Sarah desert and other areas of North Africa. They are nocturnal, allowing them to sleep during the scorching desert days and forage for food at night. Fennecs are completely covered in hair. Even their paws are insulated as to protect from the heat of the sands. Their feet allow them to be very effective diggers, so that they can make their homes in underground dens.
These foxes live communally, usually with 10 fennecs per living group. Due to their heated living conditions, they have developed the ability to go without water for long periods of time.
So, what’s up with the large ears? Scientists have determined two main reasons for the large size of a fennec fox’s ears. One is that their ear size helps them hear prey that may be lurking underground, and a second is that they help the foxes release heat so they can survive better in the desert.
Unfortunately, the supreme cuteness of these animals has made them popular as domestic pets and popular among hunters for their pelts.
[Images sourced from National Geographic]
