At the Cincinnati Zoo
The smallest fox, the fennec fox (Vulpes zerda) has the largest ears relative to body size of any canid, reaching lengths of up to six inches. In addition to enhancing the fox’s sense of hearing, the huge ears also act as radiators, allowing it to regulate its body temperature in the hot desert.
Facts
- Length: 9.5 to 16 in
- Weight: 2.3 to 3.3 lbs
- Lifespan: Up to 10 yrs in the wild
- Range: Northern Africa and western Asia
- Habitat: Desert
- Diet: Fruit, seeds, eggs, termites, and lizards