Why is the sea called red? Depth of the Red Sea, underwater world, countries, coordinates
By the way, even in distant Africa there is a little fox-sister. Meet - dwarf fox fennec
Fennec fox - African fox
Fennec fox - African foxThe smallest fox on Earth lives in the northern deserts of Africa and in the center of the Sahara. Its name – fennec – is translated from Arabic as “fox”.
The unusual appearance of the dwarf fennec fox
This predatory animal is even smaller in size domestic cat. The body and tail are the same length, up to 40 cm, height from 17 to 22 cm, and weight only 1.5 kg. The unexpectedly large ears give a touching expression to the small, pointed muzzle. No predator has such a structure of ears, when their size is much larger than the head. Just imagine ears 15 cm long! They help fennec cats not only hear well, but also cool down.
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The eyes are also large and expressive, but the teeth are small and sharp, helping to gnaw on small animals.
Like all adult foxes, the body is covered with soft, thick fur of a beautiful reddish hue, the abdomen and lower parts of the paws are white. Here are the cubs in full white. Bottom part The paws are also covered with hair, which allows them to move on hot sand.
![](https://i0.wp.com/animalreader.ru/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/fenek7-e1398185704406.jpg)
Lifestyle of African foxes
If there are small thickets of bushes in the sandy desert, then you can be sure that there is a fennec burrow somewhere nearby. Animals dig holes with branched passages themselves.
Several families can live in one den, as fennecs lead a gregarious lifestyle. In addition to the male and female, the family has 7–8 cubs, very small ones and teenagers from the previous litter.
![](https://i2.wp.com/animalreader.ru/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/fenek3-e1398185448542.jpg)
When the breeding season begins, which happens once in the first months of the year, the males turn into fierce defenders of their territory. They leave marks with urine and get into fights with anyone who encroaches on its boundaries.
The female carries offspring for about 50 days. The fennec drags soft grass, feathers, and pieces of wool into one of the branches of the hole. There are sometimes very few cubs, 1–2 or more, 5–6. They are small, helpless and blind. But they grow quite quickly, at 2 weeks their eyes open, and after another 3 they slowly, carefully look out of the hole and even walk around it.
The role of the male during this period is only to feed the entire family, but the female does not let him into the nest.
When little fennec foxes turn 3 months old, they freely, without fear, move away from the hole and even get food themselves.
![](https://i2.wp.com/animalreader.ru/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/fenek-4-e1398185482904.jpg)
They become fully grown by 9 months and form their own family. It happens that they stay with their mother and raise younger, later born brothers and sisters.
Fenechs communicate very actively with each other using a variety of sounds. Like all members of the canine family, they can not only bark, but also squeal, grumble, whine and howl.
What do fennec foxes eat?
Miniature fennecs cannot hunt large animals, so small desert inhabitants become their prey. These are small rodents such as jerboas, gerbils, and can also eat carrion, bird eggs, various insects(), which are dug out of the sand.
Sometimes they also eat plant foods, mainly roots and ripe fruits. In case of hunger, it stores food for future use. The animal has adapted to life in the desert - the fennec almost never drinks water; the liquid contained in its food is enough for it.
Due to the fact that the color of the fur merges with the color of the sand, and also the fact that when in danger, the fox buries itself in the sand with lightning speed, as if it were falling through, they have almost no enemies.
Fenech (lat. Vulpeszerda) is a small animal from the genus, family Canidae, order Carnivora, class Mammals. Previously, this species had a slightly different systematic position; it was classified as a separate genus Fenech (lat. Fennecus) With the only kind Fennecuszerda, however, subsequently the similarities with other foxes were recognized as stronger than the differences, and the genus was united.
International scientific name:Vulpeszerda(Zimmermann, 1780)
Synonyms:
Canis cerdo Gmelin, 1788
Canis fennecus Lesson, 1827
Fennecus arabicus Desmarest, 1804
Fennecus brucei Desmarest, 1820
Fennecus zerda(Zimmermann, 1780)
Megalotis Cerda Illiger, 1811
Viverra aurita F. A. A. Meyer, 1793
Vulpes denhamii Boitard, 1842
Vulpes saarensis Skjoldebrand, 1777
Vulpes zaarensis Gray 1843
English name: Fennec fox.
German name: Fennec, Wüstenfuchs.
Security status: To the Red Book International Union Nature Conservancy (version 3.1) fennec is listed as a species of least concern. This fox is quite widespread, but its exact numbers are unknown.
Etymology of the name
The name “fenech” came to European languages from the Arabs: fanak in one of the Arabic dialects it simply means “fox”. It’s more interesting to figure out where the species name came from zerda. According to one version, this word comes from the Greek xeros, which means “dry” - a hint that fennec lives in the desert. According to another version, this word also came from Arabic or the Berber language. Brem writes: “The Moors call it “cerda,” and the Arabs call it “fenech.” Arabic zerdāwa, in turn, could come from Farsi or one of the African languages. This word refers to the yellowish color of the animal.
Fenech: description and photo. What does this fox look like?
Fenech is the most small representative families. The dimensions of the beast have been studied in sufficient detail, and they differ somewhat in different parts range. On average, the height at the withers of an adult animal is up to 22 cm, the body length is 30-41 cm, the length of the tail can reach 30 cm, that is, the size of the fennec's tail is only slightly smaller than the size of its body.
In West and North Africa average length the body of a small fox including the head is 36.2 cm (from 33.3 to 39.5 cm), tail length is 16.9 cm (12.5 - 18.7 cm); ear size – 9.1 cm (8.6 – 9.7 cm).
In Egypt, fennecs are slightly larger: the length of the body and head is 36.8 cm (33.7–38.7); tail length – 20.6 cm (18.6–23.0); ear dimensions – 9.6 cm (8.8–10.4).
The male and female, which emerged from parents caught in northern Africa, have the following dimensions: body length is 40.2 and 39.0 cm, respectively; tail length – 21.4 and 20.2 cm; ear sizes – 11.0 and 9.2 cm.
The weight of a fennec fox does not exceed one and a half kilograms - this small fox is even smaller in size. The average weight of African fennec cats from Egypt is 1.05 kg (from 0.8 to 1.15).
But the main thing distinctive feature fennec is not at all miniature sizes and a long fluffy tail. His " business card» – huge ears, which make it possible to capture the most insignificant sound vibrations produced by insects and small animals, its main prey. They can be more than 10 cm in length - for this small animal This is an impressive size! By relative size ears to the width of the head, fennecs occupy first place among all representatives of the order Carnivora. In addition to the fact that the fennec's ears are highly sensitive locators, they are of considerable importance in thermoregulation, allowing the body to cool even in Saharan conditions.
The rest of this miniature fox's features are more standard. Fennec cats have a short, pointed muzzle and large eyes. The pupil is round, surrounded by a brown iris.
The teeth are small, even the fangs are not particularly noticeable in size. Long whiskers stick out on its muzzle, helping the animal navigate in space.
The fennec cat's body is slender, slightly elongated, its legs are thin, its paws are pubescent. The fur is thick, yellowish-reddish in color, allowing it to hide in the sand. The fennec cat has a white belly and a black-tipped tail.
The supra-caudal gland is covered with dark hair. Young animals are at first very light, almost white, and only then darken. Adult and elderly fennecs begin to lighten again.
Fennec foxes are quite easy to distinguish from other species of foxes living in these places:
- compared to the sand fox (V. rueppelli) it is smaller, the fennec fur is not so bright, long and thick, the tail is shorter, and the tip of the tail is not white, but black;
- African fox (V. pallida) also larger than the fennec, and the fur on the back and sides has a blackish tint;
- with an Afghan fox (V. cana) Fenech does not live in one territory; The Afghan fox has a longer tail, shorter ears, and is larger.
Fennec fox is a very active and agile fox, which allows it to hunt birds, insects and nimble animals. The ability to jump high, up to 70 cm, also helps her. Thanks to her huge ears, fennec cats have very sensitive hearing, which they mainly use when hunting. They also have a well-developed sense of smell and night vision.
Fennec cats make a variety of sounds, including barks and yelps, menacing growls and purrs similar to those made by a cat. Brem writes that fennecs emit “a quiet squeal that is difficult to describe,” and Akimushkin writes that “his cry is not animal, but some kind of dry frog chatter.”
The fennec also readily preys on birds (steppe lark, hazel grouse), their chicks and eggs. The fox also eats carrion.
Fennec does not disdain plant foods. Miniature foxes visit date palms to feast on the fruits; they eat watermelons, berries, and plant roots.
The fennec comes out to hunt in the evening, when the sun sets and the desert becomes cooler. The dwarf fox hunts and feeds alone - this makes it easier to catch small prey. Sensitive ears help her hear the movement of insects even underground. If the prey is close to the surface, it digs through the ground very quickly. Hearing the barely noticeable sounds made by jerboas, lizards or steppe larks, the fennec creeps up to them, then jumps - and the trembling victim is in his teeth.
"Mouseing" ( characteristic jump up), usual for other foxes, was not noted in the fennec fox. These representatives of the genus Vulpes capable of killing prey bigger size than themselves, but they start eating it from the head. What is not eaten is hidden (usually buried) and can be eaten later when the hunt is unsuccessful.
If there is a watering hole near the hole, the fenech visits it regularly. But the beast can do quite well without water long time, being content with the liquid that comes with the juices of fruits and animal food. His kidneys are well adapted to conserve water and produce very concentrated urine. Water evaporation is also reduced: there are no sweat glands on the fox's skin, and body temperature is regulated so that moisture loss is minimal.
By the way, the fennec is the only representative of the Carnivora order that is capable of permanently living away from a watering hole.
Where does fennec live?
The big-eared fox lives on African continent, widely found in sandy deserts and semi-deserts of North Africa and Sinai; distributed throughout the Sahara Desert. In the south, encounters with it were recorded up to 14°N. This miniature fox can be found in Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco (including Southern Sahara), Niger, Sudan and Tunisia. In Russia, the fennec fox can only be found in captivity - our climate is too cool for it.
Fennec fox is a typical desert and steppe fox. Its habitat is the zone of deserts, semi-deserts and steppes. These are vast spaces covered with sand and stones, with sparse vegetation and rare meager precipitation (from 100 to 300 mm per year). The ideal landscape for the light fennec fennec is sand dunes, where the animals are the only canids.
The predominant herbaceous plants in such places are triocerium ( Aristidaspp), satiate ( Cyperusspp), bushes – Ephedraalata or with ornulaca monacanth. In small sand dunes they can live among vegetation such as fat wheat ( Triticum turgidum) and parnofolia ( Zygophyllum spp.), as well as rare acacias, occasionally meeting there with such canids as the sand fox and the common jackal. Fenech is a sedentary animal, and with the change of seasons it does not change its habitat.
The number of fennec cats in the wild
The status of the animal in the IUCN Red Book (rev. 3.1) is of least concern. Its numbers have never been accurately estimated. Judging by the frequency of occurrence of the beast and the number of animals caught by local residents, their number is significant, and the population is in stable condition. About 300 fennec cats are kept in zoos around the world.
There are currently no serious reasons for a possible reduction in numbers - not in last resort because fennecs live in inaccessible and unattractive areas of Africa for development. However, the areas around the Sahara and other arid regions are beginning to be developed by humans. Construction of new roads and new settlements increase risks for some populations of these foxes.
Additional pressure is created by geological exploration, development oil fields and development of commercial transport. Thus, in the area of four new settlements in southern Morocco, fennecs disappeared.
The developed road network also creates direct risks. Fennec foxes are hunted for their fur, miniature foxes are caught local residents for sale.
Fennec cat lifestyle
Fenech leads predominantly night look life. Lives like other members of the genus Vulpes, in burrows. The fennec digs extensive shelters with deep passages on its own, quickly and skillfully. During the night, the animal can dig a passage 5-6 m long. Housing for family group as a result, it is a system of passages and chambers with several exits to the surface, which allow you to hide from danger.
Besides the main hole big size, fennecs sometimes dig small underground shelters in their area. During the day, the fennec sits in the nesting chamber, lined with dry grass, feathers and wool. When dusk comes, he climbs to the surface, goes to a watering hole or begins hunting. The nocturnal lifestyle is an adaptation of the fennec to its habitat.
Fennecs are not loners; they live in large family groups, usually consisting of up to 10 individuals. As a rule, this is a founding couple (male and female) and their offspring.
Puppies from previous litters can stay with their parents and take part in raising younger foxes. Such an extended family is found among representatives of the genus Vulpes. Sometimes there are burrows of several families nearby, and their representatives often call each other.
The “dictionary” of the fennec cat is very diverse: it includes different types sounds that the animal uses when communicating.
Fenech cats have developed play behavior; even adults willingly play with puppies and among themselves. They often rest in contact with each other.
Friendly social displays usually include tail wagging, crouching, wallowing, and squealing. Males may show some aggressiveness and increased marking activity during estrus (estrus) of females. Despite such sociability, fennecs prefer to hunt alone: it is probably more effective to hunt small animals and birds.
Fennec foxes are strictly territorial animals. Each family has a separate plot with internal structure: there is a core located around the hole where animals spend a large number of time, there are other frequently visited places, and there are also those where foxes appear less often. The boundaries of the area are marked with scent marks: these are secretions of special glands, urine, excrement. Usually prominent objects are marked: hummocks, clumps of grass, bushes. As a rule, the main male is engaged in walking around the territory and marking, but other members of the family group also contribute to the protection of the borders.
Classification
Fennec ( Vulpeszerda)– monotypic species. There are no subspecies identified in it. Hybrids with other species were also not observed.
Reproduction
Fennec cats reach sexual maturity at approximately 6-9 months, and the first mating occurs at the age of 9 months to a year. Fennecs are monogamous, permanent pairs last for several breeding seasons.
The mating season of animals begins in January-February. The female's estrus (estrus) is very short: 1-2 days, the pre-estrus period (proestrus) is mainly expressed in swelling of the vulva (external genitalia) and is also short-lived. The activity of the testes in males is synchronized with the cycle of females: their productivity is maximum when the female is in estrus, then decreases.
Courtship behavior in mating season fennecs have been better studied in captivity, since observations in natural conditions(in the desert at night) is extremely difficult to organize. A typical ritual preceding mating consists of noisy flirtations and usually lasts from one to one and a half days. Mating lasts more than an hour, sometimes several times with an interval of several hours.
Data on crossing vary: some sources say that it occurs quite rarely, others say that it occurs frequently and can take up to 165 minutes. In nature social mechanisms inbreeding is prevented, but in captivity fennecs of both sexes can mate with their own offspring.
Inbreeding is inbreeding.
Pregnancy in fennec cats usually lasts 50-52 days, although there is evidence from zoos about successful birth after 62- and 63-day pregnancies. IN wildlife puppies are usually born in March-April. In captivity, mating, pregnancy and birth can occur at any time of the year.
However, even in captivity, most pups are born between March and July. Fennecs give birth to one litter per year, but if it is lost, the female may come into heat and become pregnant again. Thus, fenechs cannot be called truly monoestrous animals.
Monoestrous are animals that come into heat once per season.
Before, during and after birth, the male protects the hole, but does not enter the nesting chamber: the female at this time is aggressive and selflessly protects the cubs. A female usually gives birth to two to five blind, fur-covered puppies weighing 40-45 g (however, litters with one or six cubs are less common).
The length of the body and head of a one-day-old puppy is 10-12 cm, the length of the tail is 4 cm, the length of the ear is 1 cm. After 8-11 days, the fennec fox opens its eyes, and its weight doubles after 11-12 days. After two weeks, the baby is already able to move, however, it does not immediately leave the hole.
© Florence Perroux/La Palmyre Zoo, France
Until the puppies are 4 weeks old, the male actively defends the area near the burrow and brings prey. At this time, the fennec cubs begin to emerge from the hole, first for a short time, then for more and more long time. By the middle of the 3rd week, milk feeding is also transferred outside. At this time, the babies are teething, and for the first time they try adult food that the male brings them. After the 4th week, the male brings more and more food to the puppies and female, and meat begins to occupy a significant place in the diet of small fennec cats, although feeding with milk continues until 60-70 days.
The simplest hunting behavior appears approximately 7 weeks after birth, as it is trained it becomes more complex and skillful, but until 13 weeks the male brings prey to the burrow. Only at the age of 3 months do puppies begin to move away from the hole, first together with their parents, and then alone. Fenechs reach sexual and physiological maturity at 9-11 months.
Every year, domesticated exotic animals are becoming more and more common, including special demand enjoys African fox– fennec. This is the smallest representative of the canine family, the only one who can live in apartment conditions with appropriate upbringing.
Appearance.
The size of the animal does not exceed the size of the most ordinary cat; with a weight of 1.5 kilograms, the height at the withers is 18-22 centimeters, and the length is 30-40 centimeters. The pointed muzzle is crowned with huge ears, which, in addition to hearing, perform the function of thermoregulation, which allows the fox to carry high temperatures. Cubs are white, but adults acquire a red or fawn shade of silky fur.
Home maintenance and care.
Fenech as a pet is considered quite unpretentious and easy to keep. Thanks to their flexible and affectionate nature, foxes are easy to find mutual language not only with all family members, but also with pets. The only thing you need to remember is that the fennec is a nocturnal animal. At night, your pet's hunting instincts may awaken. So, miniature foxes can start digging holes, rushing around the apartment, throwing things off the table, chewing wires, etc. Therefore, owners need to be patient and have an action plan in place for such a case. For example, you can allocate either a spacious enclosure or an entire room for your pet to live in. It should be noted that fennecs are easily tamed to the tray.
It is important to remember that this animal does not tolerate drafts very well and low temperatures. When a fennec catches a cold, it becomes very seriously ill, which can be fatal. Therefore, pets need to be vaccinated, which will prevent a number of dangerous infectious diseases.
Foxes are practically omnivorous. At home, they need, first of all, meat products: minced lean meat, rodents and insects purchased from pet stores. Fruits and vegetables will be useful. Fennecs are able to go without water for a long time, extracting liquid from plant products.
Expert opinion
Roman Efremov
Work experience: 5 years. Specialization: all areas of jurisprudence.
To avoid problems, food for fox cubs should be balanced, rich in various vitamins and minerals. You can use dog food for food; the little fox will not refuse it. As a special treat, fennec cats prefer insects and small rodents, dates and figs.The original habitat of the animals is the desert. Therefore, it doesn’t hurt to equip the animal’s enclosure with a separate place with sand, where the fennec will feel at home.When arranging an enclosure, you need to take into account that fennecs are quite noisy animals. They have a very shrill voice, and most time they communicate with each other through sound. Therefore, the enclosure should be located in a well-insulated room, in which there is fairly good sound insulation.Fenechs have unique hearing, capable of detecting even the slightest movements in a room. Because of this feature, you need to carefully protect their hearing. The animals are unusually shy, any loud sound or cry will be stressful for little fox. In view of stressful situation some individuals can become aggressive and emit a specific unpleasant aroma.If there are small children in the house, you need to protect them as much as possible from communicating with fennec cats. Awkward movements, noise and improper handling of the animal will cause aggressive behavior, which can be dangerous for the child.Experts recommend that your animal be vaccinated against rabies at least once a year. However, finding a specialist who understands exotic animals and understands the characteristics of the animal is extremely difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of this issue in advance.
This is interesting : read our other articles - ““, “” and ““.
Reproduction.
Miniature foxes breed once a year. During the breeding season, which usually occurs in February, males can become very aggressive and begin to mark their territory. The pregnancy itself lasts about 50 days, so in the spring from 2 to 6 cubs are born, weighing no more than 50 grams. Because the female is very aggressive for two weeks, until the cubs open their eyes, she needs to organize a special place, reminiscent of a hole, so that she feels comfortable. Five-week-old cubs begin to explore the world on their own, but only at 3 months are they ready to leave their family. Fennecs reach sexual maturity at 6-9 months. The animals live 10-12 years.
Classification
View: Fennec fox (Vulpes zerda)
Genus: Foxes
Family: Canids
Squad: Predatory
Class: Mammals
Type: Chordata
Subtype: Vertebrates
Kingdom: Animals
Dimensions: height at withers - 18-22 cm; body length - 30-40 cm, tail length - up to 30 cm; weight - up to 1.5 kg
Lifespan: 7-8 years, in captivity - up to 20 years
Fenech is a small cute animal that looks exclusively like a decorative pet.
In fact, it is a predator of harsh deserts, which has almost no enemies.
Fenech is a touching and seemingly fragile animal. In fact, it is a fast, intelligent and highly organized nocturnal predator.
And even though its prey rarely exceeds the size of a locust, the fennec is an excellent hunter.
Interesting! The word “fenech” comes from the Arabic fanak, which is translated as “fox”.
Habitat
Fenechs live in northern Africa: from the northern tip of Morocco to the Arabian and Sinai Peninsulas.
Geographically, the main population inhabits central part Sahara desert. By country, fennec lives besides Morocco in Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad.
Sociality is one of the main signs of behavior of little foxes
Harsh desert climate - habitat habitat for little foxes. Here they mostly stay close to small oases of grass and sparse bushes.
This is both shelter from the heat and some kind of food. Fenech lives in burrows with a complex structure: they have a lot of hidden passages. During the day the animals sleep, and at night they hunt and lead active image life.
That's why good photo animals in natural conditions difficult to do. But we know very well what fennecs look like, what they like to eat and how they behave thanks to domesticated individuals.
Interesting! The pads on the animal's paws are covered with fur: it protects them from hot sand during the day, helps to warm up on cold nights and maneuver on soft and loose sand dunes.
Characteristic
Fenechs are not only hunters, but also excellent diggers - they live in burrows dug on their own.
In fact this is the most small animal from the canine family. Despite the fact that this animal officially belongs to the genus of foxes, it is often included in a separate special genus, Fennecus.
This animal adapts well in captivity and, in general, with the right approach, it turns out to be an excellent pet, just like a cat.
True, there is no point in expecting cat-like habits from mini-foxes.
Interesting!In relation to the size of the head, the fennec cat's ears are the largest among all predators on the planet.
Appearance
This animal reaches an average height of 20 cm, a length of approximately 35 cm and an almost identical tail, which, like all foxes, is distinguished by its splendor.
If you happen to pet a fennec cat, do not refuse this pleasure: its fur is very soft and pleasant to the touch.
It's hard not to notice the fennec's 15-centimeter ears: they are the largest among predators compared to other body proportions.
Interesting! The fennec cat is smaller than most domestic cats. At the same time, he has a lot of energy, which he will definitely find something to spend on.
Another one interesting detail- a lowered foot, thanks to which the animal can move without problems on the sun-kissed sand.
The animal was “unlucky” with its teeth: too small, especially small size fangs, but they are no longer needed for its prey and daily diet.
The coat has a protective color to match the desert area: reddish or fawn.
The tip of the fluffy tail is black, while babies are almost snow-white, but darken with age.
Generally, appearance The fennec fox vaguely resembles its South African relative, the Big-eared fox.
But the appearance of the North African animal looks more touching, perhaps that is why they love to breed it in captivity.
It’s hard to take your eyes off the expressive look of these cute animals. For some reason, when asked what a fennec tree looks like, some answer - with tassels on its ears.
But these animals do not have any brushes.
Large ears, paws completely covered with fur and a fluffy tail, black at the end - these are the main external signs of fennec cats
Key Features
The fennec's big ears are no joke of evolution. Such large ears allow you to catch the quietest, barely noticeable rustles.
This is especially true in hunting, because chanterelles in the desert do not have much choice of food - they have to hunt down insects and scorpions.
In addition to this hunting function, ears help to hear approaching enemies and normalize heat exchange on hot days.
Interesting! Fennec cats are capable of producing a large number of different sounds: they howl, whine, chirp, whine, squeal, bark and grumble.
Like other foxes, fennec foxes have a supratail gland. But in this species they are hidden under a dark, hard coat.
Fennec cats are very social. They live in families or real clans, in which everyone is relative.
The eldest couple is in the top position, followed by their older children, and then the younger cubs. In more rare cases, one den is occupied by several families.
In the middle of the sand dunes, fennec cats have almost no competitors in the hunt for prey
During their communication, Fenechs are extremely “talkative” and use a huge number of different loud sounds for this.
This is a real test for those who decide to have several little foxes at home. They will squeal constantly.
In nature, fennec cats are not hunted by predators larger than him. The only enemy in the sky is large birds of prey.
These animals are very agile. Jumping a meter in length is not a problem for them. Thanks to the color of their fur, the animals easily hide in the middle of the desert landscape.
A serious and agile hunter, whose diet is worth talking about separately. And this digger, when in danger, is capable of completely burying himself in the sand.
Interesting! Fenech is capable of jumping up to 70 cm.
One fennec family can consist of up to 10 individuals.
Interesting! During the day, fennec cats in zoos almost always sleep, because, as in nature, they prefer to be nocturnal and gain strength during the day.
Nutrition
At home, the fennec cat's daily diet must include vegetables and fruits.
In the desert there is no time for selectivity in food. Therefore, the fenech, although more than once called a predator in this article, is in practice an omnivore.
And everything he eats is somehow dug out of the ground. The ability to dig in general greatly helps foxes in life: from digging holes to chasing some tasty insect or rodent.
Interesting! Main enemy foxes - African eagle owl. Scientific observations have not revealed more large predators hunting small foxes.
Fenech hunts alone. Almost everything is eaten: fruits, roots, eggs and small vertebrates, insects and even carrion.
Thanks to its ears, the fox catches even the quietest prey. The Fennec cat's body is designed in such a way as to be content only with liquid obtained directly from food.
Therefore, animals can live for a long time without a constant source of water. By the way, fennec foxes sometimes stock up on food.
Reproduction
January-February is the mating season for fennec cats, which are characterized by pronounced monogamy, that is, they form stable pairs. Each pair has its own piece of territory.
IN mating season males show aggression and actively mark their territory with urine. Estrus in females lasts only two days. Pregnancy lasts about 52 days, so by April, female fennec foxes give birth to 2 to 6 cubs.
Interesting! Fennecs are highly sociable: pairs are created once for a lifetime, and matured cubs sometimes stay with their parents to help them raise and raise the next generation.
They will grow in a hole where the ground is specially covered with grass, wool and bird feathers. 50 gram fox cubs are blind for the first 2 weeks.
The male takes care of his family, carrying food into the hole, but the female does not let him inside and behaves aggressively, protecting the puppies from any, even potential, danger.
This baby is just beginning to explore the vast world around him.
For the first time, small fennecs come out at 5 weeks of age. At first they wander only near the hole.
At the age of three months, the females stop feeding them milk and the babies, having grown stronger, begin to go far from their den in search of food.
At six months of age, many of them are already sexually mature individuals, although some may reach sexual maturity only at 9 months.
Interesting! Fennec babies have almost white wool and only with age does it darken.
Very often, fennec cats stay with their parents and help them raise the next litter. Fenech lives in natural conditions up to 7-8 years.
As a pet, the fennec is very expensive pleasure- they cost only a little cheaper and...
But those who were lucky enough to have these beautiful animals have never regretted it.
Except for the constant squealing with which fennecs communicate, but whoever wants to keep them at home knows what they are getting into.
In captivity, fennecs can live up to 14-20 years, that is, at least twice as long as in their natural habitat.
Fenechs become attached to a person and need his care. At the same time, they do not lose their natural intelligence and cunning.
Fenech cats sometimes find it difficult to make friends with other pets - in this case, a person may remain the only friend for these animals
At home, little foxes and their cubs feel great. True, in order to get a soft and flexible character, they need some education.
Of course, keeping a fennec cat at home is not so easy. It is especially worth paying attention to nutrition. Since fennec is an omnivore in nature, its diet at home will be extremely extensive.
Usually, fennec owners pamper them with lizards and small rodents like locusts and.
IN daily diet there are fruits and vegetables from which the fox receives the moisture necessary for its life.
Some owners give fenechs fish, grains and dairy products. In general, the animal itself is able to make it clear what it likes and what its stomach does not like.
Finding a veterinarian who is well versed in the characteristics of small foxes is a great success
How well a fennec tree will take root at home depends on its age.
It is necessary to be affectionate with these animals, not to raise your voice at them and not to make too sudden movements or make loud sounds when communicating with them.
The fact is that the animal is shy and very sensitive; it has extremely sensitive hearing, which is easily damaged.
In order for an animal to live a full life in an ordinary apartment, you should rely on information about their natural habits in their original habitat.
For example, fennecs do not like bright sun. Living in the desert, they emerge from their burrows around twilight. Therefore, at home they sleep most of the day, and at night they begin to lead an active lifestyle.
Those who want to have fennec foxes need to be prepared for non-stop squealing: this is the main way the animals communicate with each other.
There is experience in retraining fennec cats to night sleep, but it's unlikely good idea for animal health.
It is necessary to allocate a place in the apartment for fennec cats where they can play with sand. If this is not done, they may chew through the sofa or make a “burrow” in another more or less soft piece of furniture.
If you want to get a fennec cat, get ready for things scattered throughout the apartment, making holes out of clothes, scattering loose substances all over the floor, throwing objects off tables.
In the absence of the owners of the house during the daytime, this can be solved by purchasing an enclosure that is spacious enough for the animal to play while no one is home.
The fox cub loves to explore the surrounding space, so it is necessary to close windows and doors, hide wires and breakable objects.
Cute little fox with big ears- fennec can cause delight and tenderness in people. You want to bring a nice animal into your home, take care of it and enjoy its company. But, without knowing the conditions for keeping a pet at home, it will be very difficult to raise a pet, and even more so to make friends with a fox.
Appearance
The wild fox lives in the deserts of North Africa. It owes its name to the Arabic word fanak , which means "fox" . Eared animal has characteristics:
- class - mammals;
- squad - predatory;
- family - canines;
- genus - foxes.
The fennec is almost the same size as like a large domestic cat:
- body length 20-22 cm;
- height at withers 18-22;
- weight up to 1.5 kg
The life expectancy of the animal is 10-12 years.
The fox's muzzle is short and pointed. The ears stand out due to their shape (about 15 cm), which catches the eye both in the photo and upon close contact. These are the largest ear sizes in relation to the head among the predatory group of animals. A fox needs such ears to navigate by rustling sounds about the location of its prey. They also serve to cool the body in hot weather. The fennec cat's teeth are small, the shape of the fangs is not particularly noticeable in size.
The little fox's fur is tall, thick and soft. Young animals are almost white. Older individuals have a khaki color:
- top: red or fawn;
- bottom: white;
- the tail is fluffy, with a black tip at the end.
Foxes need a peculiar coloration for camouflage in a sandy landscape.
Fox behavior
Fennec Habitat- This sandy deserts, where the animal chooses places overgrown with grass and bushes. Fennecs can't stand it sunlight. Areas hidden from the sun provide shelter for the animal. They can also be used to search for food.
Chanterelles live in holes with many secret passages, which they dig out themselves. The animals are nocturnal. Foxes are very sociable. They can bark, whine, squeal, and howl. The cry of fennec cats is quite loud.
Fennec foxes are social animals. They live in families of up to 10 individuals. Several families can live in one hole. The boundaries of their possessions must be marked.
Foxes are omnivores. The bulk of food is obtained from sand and earth. Fennecs hunt individually, which is typical for representatives of the fox genus. Prefer to eat:
- small vertebrates;
- various insects;
- eggs;
- roots of plants and fruits;
- carrion.
The animal is distinguished by a long waterless period. The animal can obtain the necessary liquid from meat, berries and leaves. Fenech is practical - he stores food for future use.
The little fox, despite its modest form, is a rather active animal. Can jump enough long distance up to 0.7 meters forward and top. Well-developed sense of smell, hearing, and ideal night vision.
Reproduction
Fennec is a monogamous animal. They reproduce once a year. The mating season begins between January and February. Pregnancy lasts 50-53 days. The number of cubs born can reach from 2 to 6 puppies. The mother stays with the offspring until 2 weeks of age, until the newborns' holes open. The father only brings food; it is dangerous to enter the den. This behavior is associated with the aggressiveness of the female, which drives everyone away from the newborns.
At 5 weeks, the cubs leave their father's house for the first time to get acquainted with the surroundings. Upon reaching 3 months, they can hike a considerable distance. Puberty in animals it occurs at 6-9 months. It often happens that young foxes stay with their parents. They often help in caring for and raising the next generation.
Life in captivity
The smallest representatives of the canine family are the only ones who can live in apartment conditions with appropriate upbringing. Fenechs at home open, friendly animals. They love affection and communication very much. They have an easy-going character. They easily find a common language not only with family members, but also with other pets.
For a comfortable existence at home, it is advisable to purchase a spacious cage. If living conditions allow, you can donate an entire room for your pet. The more space there is, the more ideal the home conditions in which the pet will live. Since the fennec is an active nocturnal animal, isolation in dark time day will be very relevant.
It would be useful to note that waking foxes can turn an apartment in the field of hostilities. They will rush around the room, jump on furniture, and start digging holes wherever possible. And a very alarming fact is that the animal loves to chew everything that fits, including electrical cables. Therefore, thinking through in detail to protect yourself and your pet is of paramount importance in home care. Buy special toys for fun that will distract the animal. Since the animal is focused on living in sandy areas, a container with sand adapted to convenient location, undoubtedly, the fox should really like it.
The room where the animal will live should be warm and free from drafts. The fox is very seriously ill, a cold can be fatal, so it is necessary to take all measures to organize housing requirements.
The animal needs to be organized in the cage sleeping place, put a bowl of water just in case, despite the fact that fennec cats can feel comfortable without liquid for a long time.
Fenech is a shy and modest animal. To tame a fox you need to show a lot of patience. Under no circumstances should you shout at your pet or make sudden movements. The animal needs time to adapt to its new home. Over time, your pet can be taken for walks on a leash. The animal easily learns to go to the litter tray.
Homemade food
At home, fennecs prefer:
![](https://i0.wp.com/zoograf.guru/wp-content/auploads/177460/fenek-na-vid.jpg)
It is advisable to offer your pet vitamins, especially D3, periodically. The veterinarian will advise which medications are vital for fennec cats.
Over time, the animal will develop its own favorite foods. Puppies need to be vaccinated in the same way as dogs.
Fennec fox price
In Russia 10 years ago, foxes were brought from abroad. The cost in those days was not cheap, reaching up to 200,000 rubles. In 2010, domestic nurseries began to appear, thanks to which the price dropped significantly to 100,000 rubles. In 2015, the price dropped and you could buy an animal for 60-65,000 rubles. The price for a female is always higher.
Today's value varies and depends on the breeder. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, nurseries offer to buy puppies at a price of 60,000-95,000 rubles. You can purchase a fox from a private individual for 40,000 rubles. Such a sale is, however, somewhat doubtful. Most likely, the transaction will take place without paperwork. The circumstances of such a sale can be very diverse, for example, illness of the animal, boredom of the previous owners, etc. Since foxes are social animals, it is advisable to purchase them for your home in pairs.
The eared animal can be rented for posing in photos and participating in video shootings to look more exotic. A temporary purchase costs around 1,000 rubles.
How much the animal will cost must be clarified immediately before purchasing. Price may vary significantly, due to the emergence of new nurseries.
Little fox with big ears