Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Fennec fox
Latin Name: Vulpes zerda

Class: Mammals
Order:    Carnivora

Description
A small, sand-colored fox weighing just about three pounds. A small snout contrasts oversized ears.

Range
Sahara Desert and North Africa

Status
Common. Lincoln Park Zoo participates in the Fennec Fox Species Survival Plan®, a shared conservation effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Habitat
Desert sands and brush

Niche
As a nocturnal omnivore, the fennec fox hunts rodents, insects and birds--and browses desert grasses and fruits--under moonlight.

Life History
Though cute in appearance, male fennec foxes become aggressive during mating season. Females birth 2-5 young once a year, which she nurses in the den until they are old enough to explore the desert.

2

Special Adaptations

  • Those huge ears help the fennec fox dissipate heat and detect sound from prey. They are sensitive enough to detect beetles walking across the sand.
  • Thick hair insulates them on cold nights and blocks the sun during the day. Hairy feet serve as boots to protect from the elements.
  • To protect themselves from the extremes of their environment, fennec foxes live in underground dens.