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It’s high noon in the Sahara, and the North African
sun is blazing hot overhead, heating the air to as
much as 130°F. Though the fennec (Vulpes zerda)
is mostly nocturnal, spending the hottest part of
the day in its underground den, the tiny desert fox
has developed a number of adaptations to help it
deal with such extreme heat. Its ears, which can
be nearly half the size of its body, help the animal
radiate body heat to stay cool, and its furry feet,
with fur extending over the pads, protect it from
burning sand and serve as the desert equivalent
of snowshoes. Its feet are also useful for digging
out the underground dens where fennecs spend
most of the day. Their perfect habitat is a stable
sand dune. The diminutive fox’s long thick fur also
protects it from the sun’s heat during the day as
well as from the intense cold of the desert nights.
While they are not averse to eating fruits, tubers,
and eggs, fennecs mostly hunt insects in addition
to rodents, reptiles, and birds. In this regard the
huge ears come in handy again, giving the wee

foxes the ability to hear potential prey moving

underground. In their search for food they may

also visit temporary human settlements at night.

Like other desert dwellers, fennecs are able to go

without water for long periods. With a body length

of 14 to 16 inches, they’re the smallest member of

the Canidae family, which includes dogs, wolves,

coyotes, jackals, and dingoes. After a gestation

time of about 50 days fennecs give birth, usually

to one litter per year with one to four kits per litter.

Desert foxes mate for life and tend to congregate

in small communities with their offspring and the

young of the previous year. Playful creatures by

nature, the parents will often take an active role

in the games of their offspring. Fennec dens may

be huge, with an area well over 1,000 square feet

and up to 15 entrances. Neighboring families may

build their dens close together or even connect

them. Perhaps the best compensation for living

in such an inhospitable environment is partying

with your neighbors...

ideasanddiscoveries.com 83 May 2020