Fennec Fox
By: Kendall Ayers
Classification of Order
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Vulpes
Species: Canine
Background Information
The Fennec Fox is the smallest fox in the world and is very closely related to ordinary fox and the Arctic Fox. It is known for its large ears and long tail with a very small body in between. The Fennec's main habitat is in a sandy desert, and they are often found in the Sahara Desert. They are able to go for extended periods of time without water and mainly find water inside of certain plants in the desert. The foxes use the plants from which they get their water and other small shrubs to line their dens for warmth in the cool desert nights.
Fennec Fox's Diet and Life
Fennecs are omnivorous animals have small carnassial teeth that help both their eating meat and plants. They often hunt small rodents, birds, lizards, eggs, and insects. Fennecs also eat many berries and roots which help add to their hydration. The Fennec Fox will both hunt and eat their prey as well as storing different berries inside of their dens. Fennec fox's behavior is very structured when it comes to mates. Fennecs mate for life and have their own dens that they are very protective of. The foxes are very social and live with up to ten other foxes in one den. Fennec foxes can jump straight up from .7 m to 1m into the air. They are extremely agile and are skilled at hunting small animals and insects. These foxes are nocturnal and limit their hunting to night and stay inside of their dens during the day.
More Facts
- The smallest fox in the world (14-16 in long)
- Fennecs only weigh 2-3 pounds
- Can reach up to 25 miles per hour
- They can live for 12-16 years
- The foxes are not yet considered endangered, but their numbers are going down due to hunting
The Fennec Fox - part two