The desert fox (Vulpes zerda) also known as fennec foxor simply fennec , is one of the most exotic animals in the world and lives in desert areas, being able to survive the hot and more extreme drought. Its perfectly adapted coat also allows it to blend in with its surroundings, giving it more chances of survival.
In this tab on our site we will talk in detail about the desert fox or fennec, one of the types of fox that has become most popular in recent years, probably thanks to itsunmistakable ears , which give it a unique look. Next we will talk about their habitat, feeding or reproduction among many other details.
Desert Fox Origin
The fennec, whose scientific name is Vulpes zerda, is native to Arabia and Africa Its name refers to its status as a desert fox, however, some specialists suggest that it also has its own meaning, being able to be translated as "cunning fox". Regardless, both statements are true, since it is a very intelligent animal, with high cognitive abilities, which lives in a desert climate.
Characteristics of the fennec
The fennec belong to the Canidae family, shared with the wolf or the coyote, being the smaller canids. Thus, its weight is usually between 1 kilo and 1.5 kilos, presenting a height at the withers of a maximum of 21 centimeters and a body between 35 and 41 centimeters long. Its long tail has thicker fur with which it can wrap up warm on cold nights.
The head of the fennec is small, however, some large and disproportionate ears stand out, measuring between 10 and 15 centimeters. Given the small dimensions of this fox, we must understand that it is a considerably large size. In addition, the ears allow it to have highly developed hearing and even regulate its body temperature. It has a short and thin snout, as well as dark eyes.
Its fur is sand-colored, being light in color on the belly and head and darker on the back and tail, this pattern allows it to blend in with its surroundings, made up of golden sand dunes.
Desert Fox Habitat
These desert foxes inhabit regions of Africa and Arabia, particularly in areas of the Sahara desert and the Sinai Peninsula.
It is in these places where they build their burrows, which they locate in fixed dunes or open spaces digging in the sand and creating numerous accesses to them through tunnels These are incredibly long, with burrows up to 10 meters deep and more than 120 square meters in area, and in many cases these caves are interconnected, creating networks that allow the passage from one cave to another belonging to another member of the group.
Thanks to these burrows, fennec foxes can protect themselves from extreme weather conditions and phenomena such as sandstorms. They are nocturnal animals, so at dawn they take refuge in these caves until night falls again, at which time they go out to hunt.
Feeding the fennec
The fennec are omnivorous animals, which hunt their prey alone, because although they are very sociable, they are also independent and self-sufficient. Their diet is based on the consumption of small animals such as lobsters or grasshoppers, birds, lizards, rodents or eggs. It also tends to supplement its diet with leaves, roots and even fruits, which allows it to stay hydrated and can survive in the absence of water for very long periods of time.
Desert Fox Breeding
The fennec will be sexually mature at 9 months of age and when it chooses a mate it maintains it for life as monogamous animals. The breeding season of desert foxes begins at the same time that the year begins, occurring in the months of January and February, consisting of copulation that can last more than 2 hours.
Gestation lasts between 50 and 52 days, after which a litter is born 1 to 4 puppies inside a burrow. At first, the puppies have their eyes closed and their ears folded, but at 10 days of age their eyes open. The mother feeds them with breast milk for 61-70 days and, from that moment, they begin to consume solid foods.
Is it okay to have a desert fox as a pet?
From our site we do not recommend keeping the fennec fox as a pet, due to its specific needs in terms of climate, behavior and feeding it means. We must know that is not a domestic animal, therefore, living with humans in urban areas that do not allow it to carry out its natural behaviors, typical of the species, can cause and favor the appearance of various he alth and behavior problems
