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Fennec Fox Runs Around and Eats Food in The Living Desert

4,556 views · Published 26 November 2012 · 1:50 · Indexed 25 September 2026

Channel: Melvin Wei · 2012 · Pets & Animals

The fennec fox, also called fennec in short, or Vulpes zerda in Latin scientific nomenclature, is a small noctural fox in the Sahara Desert of Africa. The comically large fluffy ears, the bushy tail, and the light tan-colored fur all over make it an extremely charismatic creature in the eyes of humans. The fennec fox is the smallest canine species in the world, reaching not even 2 kilograms in weight. The large ears are adapted for dissipating heat over a large surface area, while also granting it hearing so sensitive it can hear prey moving underground. Its kidneys are so efficient at water retention that the fennec fox doesn't need to drink water to survive, although they will drink water whenever it's available.

The fennec fox eats insects, rodents, rabbits, eggs, and birds, and is preyed upon mainly by eagle owls of the Old World. Families of fennecs dig their dens next to each other; dens can be as large as 120 meters squared with 15 entrances in compacted soils, larger than most apartments and some condominiums! In soft sand, dens tend to be simpler with one entrance and one chamber, signifying an innate intelligence to adapt their burrows to the soil type. Fennecs mate for life, with each pair controlling a territory. Sexual maturity is reached at 9 months old.

The fennec is not endangered, leading me to surmise that its resourcefulness is akin to the coyote of the Americas. Due to its cuteness, people all over the world want to keep them as pets.

Fennec Fox Runs Around and Eats Food in The Living Desert

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