Fennec Fox

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Fennec Fox
A pair of Fennec Foxes
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Vulpes
Species: V. zerda
Binomial name
Vulpes zerda
(Zimmermann, 1780)
Natural range shown in red

The Fennec Fox (Vulpes zerda) is a small nocturnal fox found in the north of the Sahara Desert of North Africa which has distinctively large ears. Its name comes from the Arabic fenek, which means fox, and the species name zerda comes from the Greek xeros which means dry, in reference to their habitat.[2] The smallest breed of canid in the world, its coat, ears and kidney functions have adapted to a high-temperature, low-water, desert environment. In addition, its hearing is sensitive enough to hear prey moving underground.

It can live up to 12 years in the wild, and is found throughout Northern Africa and in some parts of the Middle East. It digs out dens in sand for habitation, which can be up to 120 square meters and adjoin other family's dens. Precise figures on population are not known, but are calculated from the frequency of sightings. It currently belongs to the genus Vulpes, but this is debated due to differences between the Fennec Fox and all other fox species. In some parts of the world, it is considered an exotic pet.

Contents

[edit] Description

The Fennec Fox weighs about 1.5–3.5 kg (3–8 lb) with a body length of between 24–30 cm (9–12 in), and is around 20.3 cm (8 in) tall.[3] The tail is around three quarters of the head and body length with a black tip, and the ears can be 10–15 cm (3.9–5.9 in) long.[4][5] It is the smallest breed of canid in the world.[6]

The coat is often a cream color and fluffy, which deflects heat during the day and keeps them warm at night.[3] Its characteristic ears are the largest among foxes relative to body size,[3] and serve to dissipate heat, as they have many blood vessels close to the skin.[7] Its ears are sensitive enough to hear prey that may be underground.[4] The soles of its feet are protected from the hot desert sand by thick fur, and they also burrow into the sand to stay cool during the day.[3]

[edit] Diet
Fennec singing
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The Fennec Fox is a nocturnal omnivore. At night, it hunts rodents, insects, birds and eggs.[4] It can jump up to 2 ft (61 cm) high and 4 ft (120 cm) forward, which helps it catch prey and escape predators.[3] When hunting, large eared foxes such as the Fennec, or the Bat-eared Fox can seem to stare at the ground while it rotates their heads from side to side in order to pinpoint the location of the prey, either underground or hidden above ground.[7]

It is adapted to live well without free water, and its kidneys are adapted to restrict water loss. Its burrowing can cause the formation of dew, and it also absorbs water through food consumption. It will drink water if available.[4]

[edit] Reproduction

Close up of a fennec fox.

The Fennec Fox is a social animal that mates for life, with each pair or family controlling its own territory.[8] Sexual maturity is reached at around nine months old. In the wild, Fennec Foxes usually mate between January and February and give birth in March and April. However, in captivity most litters are born between March and July although births can occur year round.[9] It generally breeds only once each year.[10] The copulation tie can last up to two hours and 45 minutes. Following mating, the male becomes very aggressive and protective of the female, providing her with food during her pregnancy and lactation periods.[9]

Gestation is usually between 50 to 52 days, although there have been 62 and 63 day gestation periods reported from Fennec Foxes in captivity. The typical litter is between 1 and 4 kits, with weaning taking place at around 61 to 70 days.[9] When born, the kit's ears are folded over and their eyes are closed. At around 10 days its eyes open, and the ears lift soon afterwards.[10] The life span of a Fennec Fox is up to 12 years.[11]

[edit] Habitat

A Fennec Fox resting at Africa Alive in Lowestoft, England.

Fennec Foxes are found in North Africa, from Morocco through to Egypt, as far south as northern Niger and as far east as the Sinai Peninsula and Kuwait.[11]

A Fennec Fox's typical den is dug in sand, either in open areas or places sheltered by plants. In compacted soils, dens can be up to 120 square meters, with up to 15 different entrances. In some cases different families of Fennec Foxes can interconnect their dens, or located them close together. In soft, looser sand, dens tend to be simpler with only one entrance leading to a single chamber.[9]

[edit] Population

The Fennec Fox is classified under CITES as an Appendix II species:[12] species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but whose trade must be controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.[13] It is often hunted by humans, though it does not cause any direct harm to human interests, such as livestock.[4] Like other foxes, it is prized for its fur by the indigenous people of the Sahara and Sinai.[14]

Current statistics on population are not known, but the population is assumed to be adequate based on observations of traders commonly trapping Fennec Foxes in Northern Africa for exhibition or sale to tourists. In southern Morocco, the Fennec Fox is commonly seen in sandy areas away from permanent human settlements.[15]

[edit] Classification

There is debate among scientists as to whether the Fennec Fox belongs to the genus Vulpes (true foxes). It was originally classified in the genus Fennecus, but has since been reclassified to Vulpes.[2] It has uncharacteristic behaviors, such as packs called 'harems' while all other foxes are solitary. In addition, it lacks the musk glands of other fox breeds.[16] It also has only 32 chromosome pairs, while other foxes have 35 to 39.[17] This has led to two conflicting classifications: Vulpes zerda, implying that the Fennec Fox is a true fox, and Fennecus zerda, implying that the Fennec Fox belongs to its own genus.[15]

[edit] As pets

A pet scratching an ear

The Fennec Fox is being bred commercially as an alternative house pet.[5] Breeders tend to remove the young kits from the mother to hand-rear, as tamer and more handleable foxes make better pets and are therefore more valuable.[10]

It is classified as a "Small wild/exotic canid" by the United States Department of Agriculture, along with the Coyote, Dingo, Jackal, Arctic and Silver Foxes.[18] It is considered the only species of fox which can properly be kept as a pet. Although it cannot be considered domesticated, it can be kept in a domestic setting similar to dogs or cats.[19] The legality of owning a Fennec Fox varies by jurisdiction, as with many exotic pets.[20][21] In Japan in particular it is noted for the resemblance to Pikachu, a breed of Pokémon from the Nintendo video games.[17]

A domesticated Fennec Fox explores a couch

The Fennec Fox is usually very friendly towards strangers and other household pets.[19] However, instinctual behaviours, such as hiding caches of food[22] or shiny household objects, such as watches, keys and coins can add to the difficulty of its care.[23] The Fennec Fox can be difficult to litter-train, and litter boxes with protective shields are recommended as it may dig in the litter, but still may not use it for defecation. In addition, clumping litter is not recommended as it will sometimes adhere to the extra fur on the pads of its feet.[24]

Although it can be harness and leash trained, a startled Fennec can still escape a well secured harness.[20] Since it is also an adept digger (it can dig up to 20 feet (6.1 m) a night in its natural environment),[17] outdoor pens and fences must be extended several feet below ground, and it can fit through chain link fencing.[24] Escaped Fennec Foxes are extremely difficult to recapture.[23]

Any diet in a domestic setting should reflect its diet in the wild. Though omnivorous, a great deal of their diet consists of meat and protein sources like insects. Food sources commonly used include high quality meat-rich dog food, wild canine food brands, cat food, raw meats, mealworms and custom dietary mixtures.[24]

A breeders registry has been set up in the USA to avoid any problems associated with inbreeding.[10]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Asa CS, Valdespino C, Cuzin F, de Smet K & Jdeidi T (2008). Vulpes zerda. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 2 December 2008. Database entry includes justification for why this species is listed as least concern.
  2. ^ a b "FENNEC FOX (Fennecus zerda aka Vulpes zerda)". The Animals at Wildworks. http://www.natureofwildworks.org/species.html#ffox. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 
  3. ^ a b c d e Nobleman, Marc Tyler (2007). Foxes. Benchmark Books (NY). pp. 35–36. ISBN 978-0761422372. 
  4. ^ a b c d e "Fennec Fox". Seaworld.org. http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/Animal-bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coelomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/mammalia/carnivora/fennec-fox.htm. Retrieved 2009-12-19. 
  5. ^ a b Roots, Clive (2006). Nocturnal Animals. Greenwood Press. pp. 162-163. ISBN 978-0313335464. 
  6. ^ "Small Mammals: Fennec Fox". Smithsonian National Zoological Park. http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/SmallMammals/fact-fennecfox.cfm. Retrieved 2009-12-17. 
  7. ^ a b Rogers, Leslie J. (2003). Spirit of the Wild Dog: The World of Wolves, Coyotes, Foxes, Jackals and Dingoes. Allen & Unwin. pp. 46-47. ISBN 978-1865086736. 
  8. ^ "Fennec fox". BBC Science and Nature. 2008-07. http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/146.shtml. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 
  9. ^ a b c d Sillero-Zubiri, Claudio; Hoffman, Michael; Mech, Dave (2004). Canids: Foxes, Wolves, Jackals and Dogs: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. World Conservation Union. p. 208. ISBN 978-2831707860. 
  10. ^ a b c d Roots, Clive (2007). Domestication. Greenwood. pp. 113-114. ISBN 978-0313339875. 
  11. ^ a b "Fennec Fox". Wildlife at Animal Corner. http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/wildlife/fennecfox.html. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 
  12. ^ "Fennec Fox". CITES Species Gallery. http://www.cites.org/gallery/species/mammal/Fennec_fox.html. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 
  13. ^ "How CITES works". Discover CITES. http://www.cites.org/eng/disc/how.shtml. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 
  14. ^ "Fennec Fox Fennecus Zelda". African Bushmeat Expedition. http://www.africanbushmeat.org/fieldGuide/done/FGFennecFox.html. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 
  15. ^ a b "Vulpes zerda". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/41588/0/full. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 
  16. ^ Waltz, Donna Maria (2008-02-07). "The Desert Fox". Waltz.net. http://www.waltz.net/fox.html. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 
  17. ^ a b c Wrenin, Eddie (2009-16-24). "Gotta catch them all! The Pokémon cubs receive their first public showing at Tokyo Zoo". Daily Mail. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1195139/Gotta-catch-The-Pok-mon-cubs-receive-public-showing-Tokyo-Zoo.html. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 
  18. ^ "Animal Inventory Sheet". United States Department of Agriculture. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/manuals/eig/9.1_eig.pdf. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 
  19. ^ a b "Fennec Foxes - Introduction". Fennec-Fox.com. http://www.fennec-fox.com/fennec-foxes-links.htm. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 
  20. ^ a b "The Fennec Fox Page". Petit Paws Exotics. http://www.members.shaw.ca/petitepaws/fennec.html. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 
  21. ^ "Fennec Fox State Laws". CritterHouse.com. http://www.critterhouse.com/fennec_state_laws.htm. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 
  22. ^ "Vulpes zerda". University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Vulpes_zerda.html. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 
  23. ^ a b "The Bat-Eared Fennec Fox". Scienceray. http://scienceray.com/biology/zoology/the-bat-eared-fennec-fox/. Retrieved 2009-12-22. 
  24. ^ a b c "Fennec Fox". Zoo-Zoom.com. http://www.zoo-zoom.com/Fennec%20Fox.htm. Retrieved 2009-12-17. 

[edit] External links

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