Overview of the Fennec Foxes
Fennec fox or Vulpes zerda is one of the most charming and appealing products of nature. Sandy deserts of North Africa (Sahara in particular) are native to it, and these little foxes are renowned due both to their overly-large ears and to their charm. However, fennec foxes have a lot more to offer than just their appearance and that is why they are one of the most outstanding creatures to survive in one of the most hostile places on the planet.
The Worlds Smallest Fox
The fennec foxes are fox species, which are the smallest fox species in the world. They normally have a body weight of 1.5 up to 3.5 pounds and a body length of only 9 to 16 inches. They are quick and not lack able to accomplish great things in nature.
Purposes of Oversized Ears
Significant among the recognisable characteristics of a fennec fox is the size of its ears that measures to as much as 6 inches long –more than a quarter of its body length! However these are not totally decorative and take part in two most important activities: heat dissipation, and hearing the slightest of noises in underground prey.
Lords of the Desert
Fennec foxes have a flawless structure to live in the desert. Their heavy coat keeps them warm at night when the desert is cold and the light cream color bounces the sunlight onto their bodies during the day. They are hardly spotted during the day preferring to be nocturnal and, therefore, evade extreme heat.
Wool of the soles of their feet
Fennec foxes have thick fur on their bottom parts to walk on the hot sands. The heat is secured by this fur and this fur provides them with good traction on the loose desert.
They Can Survive Lack of Water
The fennec fox can obviously go without any standalone water over an exorbitantly long time, which is mind-blowing. They get moisture by feeding on food that they consume which include insects, plants and small animals. They have special kidneys, which help to reduce water loss.
Burrow Builders
Fennec foxes are good burrowers and dwell in burrows dug out underground. These holes may be 10 feet deep which helps them in escaping desert heat. There are burrows which are extensive tunnel systems that are utilized by several foxes.
Very Social Creatures
Unlike most species of foxes the fennec fox is a social animal. They usually inhabit into groups that composed of up to ten people. This design of family only offers security and improves survival in the arid desert.
Their Ears Aid When It Comes to Hunting
The fennec foxes have a sensitive hearing ability which makes them spot the movements of insects and other small animals as they keep under the sand. This gives them a massive advantage when hunting prey more so at night.
Fast Jumpers and Runners
Fennec foxes are surprisingly agile in spite of their small size. With the aid of feet and legs, they are able to leap up to three (3) feet high in an erect form as well as run at 20 miles per hour thus, making them effective hunters and fast in escaping.
They are Omnivores
The fennec foxes are not selective eater. They are omnivore eaters and fodder on insects, lizards, birds, eggs, roots, fruits, and leaves. This is due to their flexibility in diet amongst other reasons that make them survive in the volatile desert conditions.
A Fox Non-Barking
As opposed to barking like dogs or howling like wolves, fennec foxes produce different types of sounds such as a whimper, growls, shrieks and purrs. These calls aid them in chatting with their relatives.
Coats to Keep the Cold Night.
The desert too might be very cold at night even though it is hot where they stay. The thick fur of the fennec fox helps them stay warm in low temperatures in addition to touring as an insulator in times when they are resting.
Seasonal Breeders
The fennec foxes breed on a yearly basis. They can breed between January and February and give birth between March and April after 50 days on average. The normal litter is two-to five kits.
Their eyes are shining
Similar to most night animals, the eyes of fennec foxes are adapted to the night vision. Their eyes are light reflective in darkness which makes them have a glowing appearance and see in dim light clearly.
Territorial Awareness
The fennec foxes are territorial. The males will scent mark their territory with scent glands and they are usually protective of it. Nevertheless, they are not very intolerant to other people in their family.
Renown Exotic Pets
Fennec foxes are kept as pets by people who think that it is considered exotic and cute. Nevertheless, they demand special treatment, and might be illegal in most cases, because of wildlife protection policies.
Senescence Long Life Span Animal Captivity Use
The wild fennec fox is said to have a life span of about 10 years. But in captivity, when treated with right care, they can live up to 14 years. They get the steady diet, protection against predators as well as medical attention.
Wild Natural Predators
The fennec foxes are prone predators to larger animals like eagle owls, jackals, and hyenas despite the fact that they survive the deserts. Their digging lifestyle and their pace evade their being the dinner.
A Daily Habit of Grooming
The Fennec foxens are temperamental cleaners. They also take a lot of their time in grooming their fur daily. This aids in ensuring that they are clean and allows body temperature to be maintained by getting rid of excess fur.
Cultural Importance
The fennec fox is considered as a manifestation of cunningness and traversability in some North African cultures. In fact, it has even attained the status of a national symbol of Algeria as it appears in other aspects of the culture and art there.
They Can purr like cat
The fennec fox is also famous because of its capability to purr. They can purr, like a house cat, when they are playful or able to relax in the presence of family members or other people.
Night Workers
Fennec foxes are nocturnal in nature and all their activities including hunting, playing and even exploration are done when everyone is asleep. This is a behavior adaptation that enables them to conserve water and energy and also prevents predators.
They are Good Smellers
Besides being excellent listeners, fennec foxes have one strong sense, smell. This assists them to mark locations of food, detect threat and scent-marking.
Conservation Status
As of today, the fennec fox is ranked as the Least Concern category by IUCN. Though not endangered, they are in danger of habitat destruction, illegal pet trade which may affect their survival in the wild.
Conclusion
Fennec fox is a really amazing animal that is exceptionally superb to live in the harsh environment of the desert. Their huge ears, fur covered paws, social behavior, and fast movements, every single character they exhibit is geared towards survival. They remain fascinating both to the wildlife admirers and researchers due to their size as the smallest fox on the planet. Knowing about these dwellers of the desert assists in developing empathy and admiration to the life variety here on earth.
