Where does the fennec fox live?
The fennec fox lives in the deserts of North Africa, from Western Sahara and Mauritania to the Sinai Peninsula, throughout the Sahara. Fennec families dig burrows in the sand for shelter and protection: they can be as large as 120 m² and adjoin the burrows of other families. It is adapted to heat and lack of water: its coat, ears and kidney functions help it save water.
What does the fennec fox eat?
The fennec fox mainly eats insects, small mammals and birds. Its very large ears dissipate heat and help locate prey underground. Its paws are covered with hair, which protects them from the burning sand. It is the smallest fox species, and the smallest wild canid. Pups are preyed upon by the Pharaoh eagle-owl, and both adults and pups may fall prey to jackals and striped hyenas.
Is the fennec fox endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. Precise population figures are not known, but sighting frequency shows it is not threatened with extinction. It was long hunted by humans for its meat and fur. It lives about 10 years in the wild, and up to 14 in captivity.
