Thursday, 12 April 2012

Quick Info - Fennec Fox

 

fee-nix fox


Scientific Name: Fennecus zarda, commonly known as the Fennec fox.
Biome: Desert, North of Africa.

Classification: Class Mammalia (mammals), Order Carnivore, Family Canidae.
Reproduction and Gestation: The gestation period for the Fennecus zarda is fifty days. Female Fennec foxes give birth once a year in late winter/early spring; a litter has one to five tiny, grey-skinned kits.
Diet: The Fennec fox is an omnivore (eating both meat and plants); it eats small animals, plant material, fruit and berries. At night, the Fennec fox eats insects, lizards, snails, small rodents, birds, and eggs. Like other foxes, the Fennec fox stores extra food in its underground den. The Fennec fox gets most of the water it needs from its food. It can go without water for a very long time. 
Lifespan: 10-12 years in the wild, 12- 16 years in captivity
Endangered? No
Description: The Fennec Fox is a small fox, with a long bushy tail. It had sharp curved claws and sharp teeth. The muzzle of this little fox it narrow and pointed. Its fur is sand coloured, buts its belly is white. The Fennec fox is around 60 cm long and weighs about 1.6 kilos.
Interesting Facts about Fennec Foxes …
·       A male fox is called a reynard, the female is called a vixen, and the baby is called a kit. A group of foxes is called a skulk or a leash.

·       Fennecs can be found purring like a cat when they are happy.

·       They are very social animals and live in colonies in the wild of up to 10 other foxes.

·       They are nocturnal, but do like to lie out in the sun

·       Some people keep Fennec foxes as pets!




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