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About Dr. Fox - James M. Fox, MD - Synergy Health Medical Group jamesmfoxmd.com | Fox Valley assisted living, Chicago assisted living, Aurora assisted... livingineden.com |
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, their coat, ears and kidney functions have adapted to a high-temperature, low-water, desert environment. In addition, their hearing is sensitive enough to hear prey moving underground. They can live up to 12 years in the wild, and are found throughout Northern Africa and in some parts of the Middle East. They dig out dens in sand for habitation, which can be up to 120 square meters and even adjoin other family's dens. Precise figures on population are not known, but are calculated from the frequency of sightings. They currently belong 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, they are considered an exotic pet.
[edit] DescriptionThe 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 are 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 coats are 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
The Fennec Fox is a nocturnal omnivore. At night, it hunts rodents, insects, birds and eggs.[4] They can jump up to 2 ft (61 cm) high and 4 ft (120 cm) forward, which helps them to catch prey and escape prediators.[3] The hunting habit of large eared foxes such as the Fennec, or the Bat-eared Fox can include seeming 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] They are adapted to live well without free water, with their kidneys having adapted to restrict water loss. Their burrowing can cause the formation of dew, and they also absorb water through food consumption. They will drink water if available.[4] [edit] Reproduction Fennec foxes are social animals that mate for life, with each pair of 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 to give birth in March and April, however in captivity most litters are born between March and July although births can occur year round.[9] They breed generally 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 their eyes open, and the ears lift soon afterwards.[10] The life span of a Fennec Fox is up to 12 years.[11] [edit] Habitat 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] PopulationThe 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 currently known, but 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, they are commonly seen in sandy areas away from permanent human settlements.[15] [edit] ClassificationThere 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, they lack 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 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] They are 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 they are noted for the resemblance to Pikachu, a breed of Pokémon from the Nintendo video games.[17]  Fennec foxes are usually very friendly towards strangers and other household pets.[19] Moreover, 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 their care.[23] Fennec Foxes can be difficult to litter-train, and litter boxes with protective shields are recommended as they may tend to dig in the litter, but they may still not use it for defecation. In addition, clumping litter is not recommended as it will sometimes adhere to the extra fur they have on the pads of their feet.[24] Although they 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 they can fit through chain link fencing.[24] Escaped Fennec Foxes are extremely difficult to recapture.[23] Any diet in a domestic setting should reflect their 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
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