What kind of animal is a fennec? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Known as the desert fox, this animal is very popular as a pet due to its large ears. These cute animals can be seen in deserts and arid regions from North Africa to the Arabian Peninsula.
What is fennec? About basic status
The fennec fox is a carnivorous animal classified in the class Mammalia, carnivora, canine family, genus Fox. The body length is 30-40cm, the tail length is 15-30cm, and the weight is 1-2kg. The scientific name is Vulpes zerda. It is also called the fennec fox. Below is a list of information.
| Japanese（和名） | フェネック |
| English（英名） | Fennec fox |
| scientific name(学名) | Vulpes zerda |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Carnivora、 Canidae、Vulpes 哺乳綱、食肉目、イヌ科、キツネ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 30 – 40.cm |
| Weight（体重） | 1 – 2kg |
About classification
Fennec is a member of the fox genus. One theory is that it forms a monophyletic group with the Branford fox.
Where is its habitat?
The fennec fox is distributed in the arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East. They live in countries such as Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Niger, and Mali.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The fennec fox is the smallest member of the canine family. It has a reddish-brown stripe pattern running from the inside of its eyes to its lips, and is characterized by its large ears. Their ears help dissipate heat and find prey in the sand, so they use these to find prey. The soles of their feet are covered with body hair and are specialized for walking in the desert. Fennec foxes live mainly in deserts and are nocturnal, sometimes basking in the sun during the day. We act in groups and as a family rather than alone.
What is your personality like?
The fennec fox is a timid and very cautious animal. This is due to the fact that there are many natural enemies in the area where they originally inhabit. However, they are docile animals, but once you get used to them, they will wag their tails and show their bellies, so they will start communicating a lot.
What is the ecology like?
Fennec foxes live by eating small mammals, reptiles, birds, insects, and fruit. They don’t eat much and don’t need to drink water, so they can get enough water by getting small amounts from leaves and other plants. Because they are small, they live in burrows. They often rest in their burrows during the day and search for food at night in pairs. They are viviparous and can give birth to 2-6 pups between January and February. The gestation period is 2 months. They reach sexual maturity at 6-9 months of age and can live up to 10 years in the wild.
Are there any natural enemies?
The fennec fox’s natural enemies include owls, jackals, and hyenas. They are extremely vulnerable to large mammals and birds, so they often hide, especially during the day.
Is the fennec fox an endangered species?
The fennec fox is not an endangered species. It is classified as Least Concern and is stable. However, it is almost extinct in southern Morocco, and has already been confirmed extinct in some areas. There are dangers such as: Fennec foxes are listed in Appendix II of CITES.
captured as a pet
The fennec fox is a much-loved animal all over the world, and is in high demand as a pet, so overhunting is becoming a serious problem locally. Housing development has progressed further in southern Morocco, so it is no longer seen.
Some protected areas begin
Because of the dangers mentioned above, they are protected in Morocco, Western Sahara, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt, and efforts are being made to prevent overfishing.
Can you keep a fennec fox as a pet?
Although keeping fennec foxes is not prohibited, they are rarely sold. Therefore, it is better to get one from a zoo rather than a pet shop. This category of animals is popular not only in Japan but also around the world. Fennec foxes are often reported in the news.
Active at night when people are sleeping
Fennecs are completely nocturnal. They are very active when humans are sleeping. As a result, their daily rhythms may not match those of humans.
Requires breeding space
Fennecs are not docile animals. They also love exercise, so a large breeding space is required. You will need a cage as large as possible.
I never remember the toilet
Fennec cats never learn to use the toilet. This is because they have a habit of claiming their territory. Additionally, they are extremely noisy, so they are definitely not suitable for apartments or condominiums. It also has a distinctive animal odor.
Food is dog food
Since fennec foxes belong to the canine family, they can be fed the same dog food as dogs.
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