Fennec fox Vulpes zerda

Animals in our sanctuary

Tsiga (female)

Date of birth

01-01-2013

Date taken in

24-09-2013

Tsiga, Zuri, Vinjara, Shujamaa, Zwadi and Wepezi were seized together at an animal dealer. The police invaded the house and found that many animals had been obtained unofficially and that the animals were being held in poor conditions.

Zwadi (Male)

Date of birth

01-01-2011

Date taken in

04-04-2011

Zwadi, Tsiga, Vinjara, Shujamaa, Zuri and Wepezi were seized together at an animal dealer. The police invaded the house and found that many animals had been obtained unofficially and that the animals were being held in poor conditions.

Appearance:

The fennec fox is the smallest of all canids but has the largest ears relative to its body size. Its ears can grow up to 15 cm long, helping not only to detect prey beneath the sand but also to dissipate body heat. Its fur ranges from apricot to yellow-brown, with a white underside. The paws are covered with thick fur to protect against the hot sand.

Behavior:

Fennec foxes are nocturnal animals that live in groups of up to ten individuals. During the day, they rest in self-dug burrows to escape the heat. These burrows often have multiple entrances and tunnels, allowing for a quick escape when threatened. They are highly skilled diggers and can move large amounts of sand in a short time to find food or create shelter.

Diet:

Fennec foxes are omnivores and primarily hunt at night for insects, rodents, birds, lizards, and snakes. They also eat fruit, leaves, and roots, obtaining most of their moisture from their food, which enables them to survive without direct water sources.

Habitat:

The fennec fox is perfectly adapted to life in the harsh, dry, and sandy deserts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. They prefer areas with sparse vegetation, such as grasses and shrubs, which they use to reinforce their burrows and provide shelter.

Reproduction:

Fennec foxes mate annually between January and February. The gestation period lasts about 50 days, after which 2 to 4 pups are born. At birth, the pups weigh only 50 grams and are blind. They open their eyes after two weeks and begin playing inside the burrow at around four weeks old. They first leave the nest after about five weeks. Both parents care for the young, and males and females form lifelong pairs.

Threats:

Although fennec foxes are well adapted to their environment, they face threats from habitat loss and hunting. Their population is declining in some areas, but they are currently listed as "Not Threatened" on the IUCN Red List.