In areas in which the soil is compacted, dens may be larger and more complex, having up to 15 entrances and covering areas of approximately 120 m 2 (1,300 sq. In areas of loose sand, burrows are more likely to be small and simple. The size of the foxes’ den is dependent on the type of sand in the territory. The foxes mark the boundary of their territory with urine and droppings. The species is highly social and playful – even adult fennecs often engage in play.Įach family group has its own territory. The groups consist of a mated pair and their offspring. Photo: Anass ERRIHANI The fennec lives in family groups which can contain up to 10 individuals. Fennec Fox Behaviorįennec fox family group. The species prefers stable sand dunes these are more suitable for burrowing. It occurs almost exclusively in desert and semi-desert habitats with sandy soils.ĭesert grasses and/or scrub vegetation are often found in areas occupied by fennec foxes. The fennec fox is able to tolerate higher temperatures and drier conditions than other fox species. However, sightings from the region have not been verified and may have been of a different species. The species may be present in the Arabian Peninsula. Its range stretches from Mauritania, Western Sahara and Morocco in the west to the northern parts of the Sinai Peninsula in the east. The fennec fox is found in arid regions throughout northern Africa, including the Sahara Desert. The fennec fox’s thick coat keeps it warm once the sun has gone down. Although hot during the day, deserts can get surprisingly cold at night. Being crepuscular (active at dawn and at dusk), the fennec fox is safely underground in its burrow during the hottest part of the day. The coat also provides camouflage against the sand and rock of the animal’s desert habitat. The fox’s pale coat reflects heat from the sun. The soles of the fennec fox’s paws are covered in thick fur which protects the fox’s feet from the hot sand. Blood vessels located close to the skin in the ears dissipate excess heat from the fox’s body. Photo: Jesper Särnesjö The fennec fox has a number of adaptations for living in the desert. The fennec fox is highly adapted for life in the desert. Darker facial markings extend from the inner corners of the eyes out towards either side of the snout.įennec fox cubs have downy fur that is almost completely white.įennec Fox Adaptations For Living In The Desert The tail has a reddish tint and a black tip. The fur on the fox’s face, insides of the legs and undersides are white. The adult fennec fox’s thick coat is long and silky. These can be up to 15 cm (5.9 in) long quite a size compared to the animal’s relatively small body! In fact, the fennec fox has the largest ears of any fox in relation to body size. The species is famous for its distinctive long ears. The fennec fox has a long, bushy tail, a small snout and a typically fox-like ‘triangular’ face. This diminutive desert dweller is smaller than a typical house cat. The fennec fox is not just the world’s smallest fox it’s also the smallest member of the dog family Canidae. You can see the fennec fox up close in the video below… Find out more about mammals: Mammals: The Ultimate Guide.Become an animal expert: Animals: The Ultimate Guide.See every member of the dog family: Wild Dogs List with Pictures & Facts.Discover more amazing desert animals: Desert Animals with Pictures & Facts.It is a true ‘desert fox’, and has a number of adaptations for living in a hot, arid (dry) habitat. (Canids are members of the dog family, Canidae). The fennec fox is the world’s smallest canid species.
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