The fennec fox is a tiny, cream-coloured fox of the Sahara, instantly recognisable by its enormous ears. It is superbly adapted to extreme desert heat and drought, spending the hot day in burrows and hunting at night.
Interesting facts
- It is the smallest wild canid in the world.
- Furry soles protect its feet from burning sand.
- Fennecs can survive for long periods without drinking, getting water from food.
- Their kidneys are adapted to conserve water.
- They dig burrows several metres long in the sand, sometimes linked into complexes.
- Their pale coat reflects sunlight by day and keeps them warm on cold desert nights.
Behaviour
Fennecs are nocturnal and live in family groups that share burrows. They are playful and vocal, with barks, purrs and chirps. They can leap high and dig rapidly to catch insects and rodents.
Breeding and young
Pairs mate for life. After about 50 days, females give birth to one to four kits in the burrow. Males bring food while the female nurses.
Threats and conservation
Fennecs are not considered threatened, but they are trapped for the pet trade and for tourist photos, and they face habitat disturbance from settlements and roads.
Where to see it
- Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, Morocco
- The Grand Erg Oriental near Douz, Tunisia
- Desert regions of Algeria and Egypt
- Very hard to see in the wild; guided night walks give the best chance
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
