Fennec Fox

Name: Fennec Fox (Vulpes zerda)
Family: Canidae (dog and relatives)
Body length: 37-41 cm
Length of tail: 19-21 cm
Weight: 1-1.5 kg

Of all the foxes, the Fennec fox is the smallest and the very closely related to modern Chihuahua.

Morphology
Fennec foxes have a body shape that has been adapted to their habitat.
Hair
Their hair is light cream colored (like the color of sand) that serves as camouflage and to reflect the heat from the sun. Their hair was too long and thick, serves to keep warm during cold nights.
Ear
Their ears are very large function body radiates heat out and work as a catcher sounds good, lets them listen to a distance of more than 20 miles or hear the sound of small animals at a depth of about 10 feet underground.
Kidney
Fennec foxes have specially adapted kidneys to supply very little water.
Foot
Fennec foxes have thick fur beneath the feet to protect them from the heat of the desert sand as they walk. Slender legs allows them to move quickly when predators approach. While fleeing their speed can reach 20 mph. Fennec fox is also a reliable jumper, a fox can jump as high as 61 cm and 120 cm as far forward, which help them catch prey. Their feet are also equipped with a nail to dig a tunnel at least 15 feet below ground as a nest for children and shelter from predators or the weather is hot.

Food
In the arid desert conditions, Fennec foxes defend themselves by eating almost everything, including fruits, grains, eggs, termites, snails, birds, lizards, and mice. Fennec foxes are nocturnal animals. They are actively foraging at night.

Life Cycle

Baby
At birth, the baby's ear Fennec fox crossed and eyes closed. Fennec baby's eyes will open around 10 days and the ears also will stand up shortly thereafter.

Adolescent

After about 61-70 days old, the son of Fennec fox is no longer suckle on its mother and will begin to learn independently.

Adult

Fennec fox will reach sexual maturity after about 9 months of age.

Marriage season
The breeding season usually occurs between the months of January to February. Fennec foxes live in groups containing 10-15 individuals and each spouse usually has a bond for life. Their mating process is quite long (same as in dogs), it can take up more than 2 hours.

Birth
After mating, the males become very aggressive and protective of females. Fennec male will provide food during pregnancy and lactation period for the spouse. Pregnancy on Fennec fox lasts about 50 days. And babies born varies between 1-5 baby. These species usually breed only once a year. Fennec foxes have a life expectancy of about 9-12 years.