![]() They get almost all of their water from their preyįoxes get most of their water from the rodents, insects, eggs, or reptiles they catch. To provide them a survival edge in the desert heat, fennec fox kidneys have adapted to reduce water loss.ġ0. However, fennec foxes can go for years without directly drinking water. Most animals need some form of free-standing water in puddles, lakes, rivers, rain, or other water sources in order to live. Fennec foxes don’t need free-standing water Unfortunately, tourism and development are encroaching on the native habitat of the fennec fox, and foxes are hunted for their coats by some people.ĩ. In fact, it’s listed in the “least concern” groups for conservation efforts. This rapid breathing helps them manage extremely high heat an keep their temperature in a normal range.įortunately, the fennec fox is safer than many species. In fact, fennec foxes can breathe up to thirty times their normal rate. However, when the temperature starts to rise, fennec foxes start to pant. (For comparison, a normal human range is from about 12-20 breaths per minute.) Normally, fennec foxes breathe about 23 breaths per minute on average. Fennec foxes can breathe up to 690 breaths a minute Also, because fennec foxes like to dig underground burrows to sleep in, the hair on their feet makes their digging more efficient.ħ. In other words, the fur on their feet acts like built-in snowshoes.įoot fur gives the fox much better traction. The foot fuzz helps to distribute the foxes’ weight in loose, shifting dune sand. Since the fennec fox is native to hot and sandy deserts in north Africa and Arabia, the hair on the foxes’ feet gives them extra protection against surfaces like burning sand. As it turns out, hairy feet are all about sand management. This large bird species lives in Africa and Eurasia.įennec fox feet are adorably fluffy. They’re so small that they’re actually preyed upon by eagle owls. In fact, fennec foxes are probably more in danger from you. Unless you’re a small rodent or a bird egg, you don’t have a lot to be concerned about when it comes to fennec foxes. You might be wondering, “Are fennec foxes dangerous?”Īt 2-3 pounds, the average fennec fox is about the size of a female ferret. They’re the smallest of all the canids, a group that includes everyone from the teeny fennec fox to the giant grey wolf. Rest assured, though, fennec foxes are indeed foxes. We know sometimes names can be misleading.įor example, red pandas aren’t really bears, and koalas aren’t either. It’s not just a name: Fennec foxes are true foxes ![]() This survival trait helps the fennec fox camouflage themselves and be less visible to predators like the owl.Ĥ. However, the color of the coat blends in with the off-white shade of the sand. The fur on the fox’s feet helps protect his pads from the burning sand and give traction. That way, the fox’s body temperature stays in a safe range even in the hot North African desert.įennec foxes have a distinctive sandy-colored coat with lots of fluffy furs. This trait helps regulate body heat by helping to cool off the fennec’s blood as it circulates. In addition to helping the fox locate tasty underground prey, the fennec fox’s big ears help him cool off. That’s about half the body length of an average adult fennec fox.Ģ. When they’re adults, fennec fox ears can be as long as six inches. Fennec fox ears can grow to half the size of their bodyĮnormous, batlike ears are a hallmark feature of the fennec fox. Fennec fox ownership may not be legal in your stateġ.Fennec foxes are enthusiastic diggers and chewers.They’re highly curious about their environment.Fennecs can screech and bark as a defensive tactic.They can yip or sound like jungle birds.Fennec foxes get shivery around 70 degrees.Fennec foxes have hidden “savings accounts” of food.There’s a specific name for a group of foxes.They get almost all of their water from their prey.Fennec foxes don’t need free-standing water.Fennec foxes can breathe up to 690 breaths a minute.It’s not just a name: Fennec foxes are true foxes.Their big ears act like air conditioners.Fennec fox ears can grow to half the size of their body.What are some interesting facts about fennec foxes? Aren’t fennec foxes adorable? Native to the deserts of north Africa, the fennec fox is distinctive for his pert black eyes, small size, and enormous fluffy ears.Įven though it’s gaining in popularity as a pet, the fennec fox is still a mystery to many people.
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