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 vvk rated 13 months ago - Fennec FoxThe fennec fox is a small fox found in the Sahara Desert of North Africa (excluding the coast) and in some parts of Arabia, which has distinctive oversized ears. Its name is derived from an Arabic word for "fox". It is quite small, weighing up to only 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg). The fox...
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- vvk rated 13 months ago
- Fennec FoxThe fennec fox is a small fox found in the Sahara Desert of North Africa (excluding the coast) and in some parts of Arabia, which has distinctive oversized ears. Its name is derived from an Arabic word for "fox". It is quite small, weighing up to only 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg). The fox is 7.9 inches (20 cm) tall at the shoulder, with a body length of up to 15.7 inches (40 cm). The tail is an additional 9.8 inches (25 cm) or so, and the ears can be 5.9 inches (15 cm) long.Its coat is often a sandy color to blend in with its desert surroundings. Its characteristic large ears, serve to help dissipate heat and to hear the movement of prey at night. The coat can repel sunlight during the day and conserve heat at night. The soles of the feet are protected from the hot sand by thick fur.The fennec is nocturnal and an omnivore. During the night, it will hunt for rodents, insects (such as locusts), lizards (such as sandfish), birds, and bird eggs. The fennec gets most of its water from food (including berries and leaves). They can last long periods of time without water, but will drink water when available.The fennec is rare and is not often seen. It is often hunted by humans, though the fox does not cause any direct harm to human interests. Like other foxes, the fennec is prized for its fur by the indigenous people of the Sahara and Sinai.There is some debate among scientists as to whether or not fennecs belong to the "fox" genus. Uncharacteristic behavior, such as packs called 'harems' (while all other foxes are solitary), as well as genetic differences (other foxes have between 35 and 39 chromosome pairs, while fennecs have 32) have left researchers with two conflicting classifications: Vulpes zerda implying that fennecs are foxes, and Fennecus zerda, implying that fennecs belong to their own genus.The fennec is considered the only species of fox which can properly be kept as a pet. However, several factors make it important to ensure that they do not escape. Their speed and agility (they can jump four times their own body length) combined with their natural chase instinct creates the risk of a fennec slipping its harness or collar. Further, since they are adept diggers (they can dig up to twenty feet a night in their natural environment), outdoor pens and fences must be extended many feet below ground. Escaped fennec foxes are extremely difficult to recapture.Pet fennecs, being the most social among foxes, are usually very friendly towards strangers and other household pets. Wild instincts make fennecs both more enjoyable, and more tedious, than domesticated pets.As with all wild pets, fennecs have been reported to have more personality, and are substantially smarter than dogs or cats. However, wild instinct, such as hiding caches of food in case of famine, as well as attempting to burrow into furniture to build a nest, etc, makes them a handful to care for.
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