Facts and Features of Africa Fennec Fox

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Canidae

Genre: Vulpes

Scientific Name: Vulpes Zerda

Type: Mammal

Diet: Omnivorous

Size in Length: 36cm - 40cm (14 inches-17 inches)

Weight:1-1.5 kg (2.2 pounds - three pounds)

Maximum speed: 40 kmh (25 mph)

Lifespan: 12-16 years

Lifestyle: Solitary

Preservation Status:Not very Concerned

Color: sand,white

Skin Type:Fur

Favorite Diet:rodents

Habitat:Desert

Average Litter Size: 3-4

Prey also: rodents,insects, plants, fruits

Attackers: Hyena, Eagle, Human

Special features:Large,Pointed ears and Small body size 

The Fennec fox is a small species of canine found in dry,sandy regions of the Sahara Desert.The Fennec Fox is popularly known for his large ears,which can be half as long as it's body.The fennec fox is the smallest fox in the world with the Fennec fox individuals ranging from 24 cm to 41 cm in length.Fennec Fox also has a very long tail extending in length from 18 cm to 31 cm,depending on the size of individual.

The Fennec fox has thick skin which helps to maintain the Fennec fox cool in the day time and warm during the cold nights.The big ears help to regulate body heat helping  Fennec fox keep cool during the hot day hours.This is done by  blood flowing close to the skin in the ear.This helps to keep away the heat.

The Fennec fox is an omnivorous animal and its diet consists mainly of insects,rodents,plants and fruits along with small reptiles and sometime eggs.The Fennec fox has a sand colored fur which helps it to keep camouflaged when hunting.This sand color of the skin also helps to remain invisible to predators.

A female Fennec fox is able to breed two times a year,but most female only breed once a year.The female Fennec fox gives birth to 3-4 babies, known as kits.The Fennec fox kits feed on mother's milk for about a month while the mother keeps male away from den.When kits are old enough they begin to hunt with their mother.

Fennec Foxes are known to live in small communities together of around 10 individuals.Fennec Foxes are nocturnal,meaning they sleep during the day and hunting for food at night.