General Information
The Fennec Fox
Fennecus Zerda
now Vulpes Zerda
Names:
English: Fennec, Fennec fox
French: Fennec
German: Fennek, Wüstenfuchs
Description:
The Fennec Fox is the smallest of all foxes with very large ears (the largest of all canids)
which radiate excessive body heat, and a long, soft, thick fur coat coloured a light sandy to reddish sandy colour.
Their belly is a creamy white colour, as well as their feet, and they have a black-tipped tail. The soles of their feet are furred for protection
from the hot sand and rocks in their native habitat and dark bristles cover the anal gland. Fennecs have very acute
hearing and can pick up the movements of their prey or enemies at a considerable distance.
Measurements:
Head to body length: 9-16 inches (24-41 cm)
Tail length: 7-12 inches (18-31cm)
Shoulder height: 8 inches (19-21 cm)
Ear length: 6 inches (15.24 cm)
Weight: 2-3.5lbs. (1-1.75 kg)
In the Wild
Habitat:
The fennec's native range is dry and arid, stretching from the Sahara Desert in North Africa to the
Arabian Peninsula.. As burrowing animals, they are known to dig tunnels fifteen feet or more in which
two to five pups are reared. They are listed in CITES as Appendix II - "Species not presently threatened,
but may become so unless trade is regulated.
Behaviour:
Fennec Foxes are always considered nocturnal. This may be so but they love to play in the warm sands and
sleep on top of objects warmed by the sun.. Fennecs are the most social of foxes. They do not have musk glands, which may contribute to their inherent
friendliness. They are extremely agile and can dart to and fro among the dunes at high speed, making quick
changes of direction. The fennec fox survives by its wit and powerful legs, having the ability to leap four
times its body length and disappear by diving into the sand. They can dig 20 feet in one night.
Diet:
In the wild they feed on small rodents, birds eggs, reptiles, insects, fruit, berries, and small mammals.
Plants are also an important part of their diet since they may be an important source of water. A Fennec drinks water if available, but they
can also survive for long periods of time with only the water content from their food. Fennecs conserve water by producing
highly concentrated urine. They store excess food underground.
Mating:
Breeding Season: January through March.
Gestation Period: 50-52 Days
Number of kits per litter: 2-5
Litters per year: 1
Lactation: 9-10 weeks
Sexual Maturity: 6-11 months
Longevity: 10-12 years in wild; 11-14 years in captivity
Fennec foxes adjust the size and numbers of their litters to the available food supply. Normally they produce only
one litter a year of 2-5 young. If the kits die or are killed, they will produce another litter if the food supply is
plentiful. The fennec has been observed in groups of up to 10 individuals, but the relationship of members of these
groups is unknown. Males mark territories with urine and become aggressive during the breeding season. Females defend
the nest site. Males do not enter the den. The kits first exit den at four weeks and the mother will not let the father
interact with the kits until that time. The kits don't leave the den until three months.
Kits:
At birth, these little foxes are barely an ounce in weight and are covered with a light peach fuzz. Their skin is charcoal
grey where the dark markings will be in their hair when they are adults. At birth, their ears are folded over just like
domestic dog puppies and are sealed shut just like their eyes. They nurse their mother for about 10 weeks in an underground den.
At about 12-14 days their eyes open. The tiny ears stand up at about 2 weeks. From that time on, the ears
seem to be the fastest growing part of their body. The change can be measured daily. Within a short time they have full-sized
ears, though they still have a small kit's body.
In Captivity
Enclosures:
Fennecs are diggers, so make sure that their enclosure is escape-proof. They can dig 20 ft. in one night. This means that
you should actually have some sort of barrier underground as well, or they will just dig right under the fence. If you use a wire
mesh make sure that the holes aren't big enough for them to get through. They can fit through chain-link fencing.
Training:
Fennecs are easily trainable and keep their bodies very clean. They can be trained to a litter box.
A litter box that has a protective shield is recommended, as they can scatter the litter all over. Clumping litter will sometimes
adhere to the fur on their foot pads, forming hard pieces that will have to be removed. Fennecs also have a habit of dragging their food
from a dish to their favorite spot in their enclosure. If it's the litter pan they will probably ingest some of the litter with
their food. So if you're going to litter box train them, you should use a non-toxic litter that will be safe for them to eat.
Fennecs can make great walking companions if you are willing to train them to a leash. They should never be taken outside without
a leash (unless in a container), because they are easily lost. Wild instincts are possible to modify, but the instinct to search and
hunt will over-ride their training and attachment for you and they will scamper off in pursuit of a small, fast-moving creature
without giving you a second thought.
Exercise:
Fennecs need daily exercise from the age of weaning. Their energy can be directed to chasing and retrieving toys, going on walks,
or being let loose in a play area. They love to dig, so if kept inside you will need to provide some sort of digging area or other distraction, or they will do it on your furniture.
