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SPECIES PROFILE
Fennec Fox (Vulpes zerda)
Vulpes
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Sahara and North African deserts
DIET
Omnivorous
HABITAT
Sahara desert and sandy scrub
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Canidae
GENUS
Vulpes
📋 Description
SIZE
Up to 40 cm + 20 cm tail; 0.8-1.5 kg
COLORATION
Pale cream with enormous ears
ADAPTATIONS
Huge ears shed heat and detect prey underground; furred feet cross hot sand
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Sahara desert and sandy scrub
DIET
Omnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Sahara and North African deserts
REPRODUCTION
2-5 kits in a burrow
DIET DETAILS
Insects, rodents, birds and fruit
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Trapping, pet trade
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The world's smallest fox, with ears so big they help it lose heat and hear prey underground.
2
Fur on the soles of its feet lets it walk across scorching desert sand.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Ennedi Plateau
Zakouma region
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
November-March
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Best on guided night trips in the Sahara; the tiny fox emerges after dark to hunt in the cool.
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