How long does a fennec live? Fennec fox or desert fox
The outer space around us is constantly in motion. Following the movement of galactic objects, such as galaxies and clusters of stars, other space objects, including astroid and comets, also move along a clearly defined trajectory. Some of them have been observed by people for thousands of years. Along with the permanent objects in our sky, the Moon and planets, our sky is often visited by comets. Since their appearance, humanity has been able to observe comets more than once, attributing a wide variety of interpretations and explanations to these celestial bodies. Scientists for a long time could not give clear explanations by observing the astrophysical phenomena that accompany the flight of such a swift and bright celestial body.
Characteristics of comets and their differences from each other
Despite the fact that comets are a fairly common phenomenon in space, not everyone is lucky enough to see a flying comet. The thing is that, by cosmic standards, the flight of this cosmic body is a frequent occurrence. If we compare the period of revolution of such a body, focusing on earthly time, this is quite big gap time.
Comets are small celestial bodies that move in outer space towards the main star of the solar system, our Sun. Descriptions of flights of such objects observed from Earth suggest that they are all part of the solar system, once participating in its formation. In other words, each comet is the remains of cosmic material used in the formation of planets. Almost all known comets today are part of our star system. Like planets, these objects are subject to the same laws of physics. However, their movement in space has its own differences and features.
The main difference between comets and other space objects is the shape of their orbits. If the planets move in the right direction, in circular orbits and lie in the same plane, then the comet rushes through space in a completely different way. This bright Star, suddenly appearing in the sky, can move in the right direction or in reverse direction, in an eccentric (elongated) orbit. This movement affects the speed of the comet, which is the highest among all indicators. famous planets and space objects of our Solar system, second only to our main luminary.
The speed of Comet Halley when passing near the Earth is 70 km/s.
The plane of the comet's orbit does not coincide with the ecliptic plane of our system. Each celestial guest has its own orbit and, accordingly, its own period of revolution. It is this fact that underlies the classification of comets according to their orbital period. There are two types of comets:
- short-period with a circulation period from two to five years to a couple of hundred years;
- long-period comets that orbit with a period of two or three hundred years to a million years.
The first include celestial bodies that move fairly quickly in their orbit. It is customary among astronomers to designate such comets with the prefixes P/. On average, the orbital period of short-period comets is less than 200 years. This is the most common type of comet found in our near-Earth space and flying within the field of view of our telescopes. The most famous Comet, Halley, completes its run around the Sun in 76 years. Other comets visit our solar system much less frequently, and we rarely witness their appearance. Their orbital period is hundreds, thousands and millions of years. Long-period comets are designated in astronomy by the prefix C/.
It is believed that short-period comets have become hostage to gravity major planets solar system, who managed to snatch these celestial guests from the tight embrace of deep space in the Kuiper belt region. Long-period comets are larger celestial bodies that come to us from the far reaches of the Oort cloud. It is this region of space that is home to all comets, which regularly visit their star. Over millions of years, with each subsequent visit to the solar system, the size of long-period comets decreases. As a result, such a comet can become a short-period comet, shortening its cosmic life.
During observations of space, all comets known to this day have been recorded. The trajectories of these celestial bodies, the time of their next appearance within the solar system were calculated, and the approximate sizes were established. One of them even showed us his death.
The fall of the short-period comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 onto Jupiter in July 1994 was the most striking event in the history of astronomical observations of near-Earth space. A comet near Jupiter broke into fragments. The largest of them measured more than two kilometers. The fall of the celestial guest on Jupiter lasted for a week, from July 17 to July 22, 1994.
It is theoretically possible for the Earth to collide with a comet, but of the number of celestial bodies that we know today, not one of them intersects with the flight path of our planet during its journey. There remains the threat of a long-period comet appearing on the path of our Earth, which is still beyond the reach of detection means. In such a situation, a collision between the Earth and a comet could result in a catastrophe on a global scale.
In total, more than 400 short-period comets are known that regularly visit us. A large number of long-period comets come to us from distant, outer space, being born in 20-100 thousand AU. from our star. In the 20th century alone, more than 200 such celestial bodies were recorded. It was almost impossible to observe such distant space objects through a telescope. Thanks to the Hubble telescope, images of corners of space appeared, in which it was possible to detect the flight of a long-period comet. This distant object looks like a nebula with a tail millions of kilometers long.
Composition of the comet, its structure and main features
The main part of this celestial body is the comet's nucleus. It is in the nucleus that the bulk of the comet is concentrated, which varies from several hundred thousand tons to a million. In terms of their composition, the celestial beauties are icy comets, and therefore, upon close examination, they appear as dirty ice lumps of large sizes. In terms of its composition, an icy comet is a conglomerate of solid fragments of various sizes, held together by cosmic ice. As a rule, the ice of a comet's nucleus is water ice mixed with ammonia and carbon dioxide. Solid fragments consist of meteoric material and can be comparable in size to dust particles or, conversely, measure several kilometers in size.
IN scientific world It is generally accepted that comets are cosmic deliverers of water and organic compounds in outer space. Studying the spectrum of the celestial traveler's core and gas composition her tail, the icy nature of these comic objects became clear.
The processes that accompany the flight of a comet in outer space are interesting. Most on their way, being at a great distance from the star of our solar system, these celestial wanderers are not visible. Highly elongated elliptical orbits contribute to this. As the comet approaches the Sun, it heats up, causing the process of sublimation to begin. space ice, which forms the basis of the comet's nucleus. In plain language, the icy base of the cometary nucleus, bypassing the melting stage, begins to actively evaporate. Instead of dust and ice under the influence solar wind Water molecules break down and form a coma around the comet's nucleus. This is a kind of crown of the celestial traveler, a zone consisting of hydrogen molecules. Coma may have huge size, stretching for hundreds of thousands, millions of kilometers.
As the space object approaches the Sun, the speed of the comet rapidly increases, and not only centrifugal forces and gravity begin to act. Under the influence of the Sun's attraction and non-gravitational processes, evaporating particles of cometary matter form the comet's tail. The closer the object is to the Sun, the more intense, larger and brighter the comet's tail, consisting of tenuous plasma. This part of the comet is the most noticeable and visible from Earth is considered by astronomers to be one of the most striking astrophysical phenomena.
Flying close enough to the Earth, the comet allows us to examine its entire structure in detail. Behind the head of a celestial body there is always a trail of dust, gas and meteoric matter, which most often ends up on our planet in the form of meteors.
The history of comets whose flight was observed from Earth
Various space objects constantly fly near our planet, illuminating the sky with their presence. With their appearance, comets often caused unreasonable fear and horror in people. Ancient oracles and astrologers associated the appearance of a comet with the beginning of dangerous life periods, with the onset of disasters planetary scale. Despite the fact that the comet's tail is only a millionth of the mass of the celestial body, it is the brightest part of the space object, producing 0.99% of the light in the visible spectrum.
The first comet that was discovered through a telescope was the Great Comet of 1680, better known as Newton's Comet. Thanks to the appearance of this object, the scientist was able to obtain confirmation of his theories regarding Kepler's laws.
During observations of the celestial sphere, humanity managed to create a list of the most frequent space guests who regularly visit our solar system. High on this list is definitely Halley's Comet, a celebrity that has graced us with its presence for the thirtieth time. This heavenly body Aristotle observed. The closest comet got its name thanks to the efforts of the astronomer Halley in 1682, who calculated its orbit and next appearance in the sky. Our companion flies within our visibility zone with regularity for 75-76 years. Characteristic feature our guest is that, despite the bright trail in the night sky, the comet's nucleus has an almost dark surface, resembling an ordinary piece of coal.
In second place in popularity and celebrity is Comet Encke. This celestial body has one of the shortest orbital periods, which is 3.29 earthly years. Thanks to this guest, we can regularly observe the Taurids meteor shower in the night sky.
Other most famous recent comets, which blessed us with their appearance, also have enormous orbital periods. In 2011, Comet Lovejoy was discovered, which managed to fly in close proximity to the Sun and at the same time remain unharmed. This comet is a long-period comet, with an orbital period of 13,500 years. From the moment of its discovery, this celestial guest will remain in the region of the solar system until 2050, after which it will leave the confines of near space for many 9000 years.
The most striking event of the beginning of the new millennium, directly and figuratively, became Comet McNaught, discovered in 2006. This celestial body could be observed even with the naked eye. The next visit to our solar system by this bright beauty is scheduled in 90 thousand years.
The next comet that may visit our sky in the near future will probably be 185P/Petru. It will become noticeable starting January 27, 2018. In the night sky, this luminary will correspond to the brightness of magnitude 11.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them
Classification and types of comets
Planet designations
Until 1994, comets were first given temporary designations, consisted from the year they opened And latin small letter, which indicates the order of their opening in a given year(for example, Comet 1969i was the ninth comet discovered in 1969).
After the comet passed perihelion, its orbit was reliably established, after why the comet received a permanent designation, consisting of the year of passage of perihelion and a Roman numeral, indicating the order of passage of perihelion in a given year. So comet 1969i was given a permanent designation 1970 II(the second comet to pass perihelion in 1970).
Since 1994, the name of the comet includes the year of discovery, a letter indicating the half of the month in which the discovery occurred, and the number of discovery in that half of the month. Before the comet designation put a prefix, indicating on the nature of the comet. The following prefixes are used:
Comet designations since 1994
Example: C/1995 O1 Long-period comet /1995/1 discovered in August
Sizes and shape of comets
When astronomers talk about the size of a comet, they mean size of the comet's nucleus. The sizes of comets vary widely. Typically, comet nuclei do not exceed 10-15 km in diameter, and most often have dimensions of 1-5 km. Comet Lovejoy had a nucleus 120 m in diameter, comet Hale-Bopp had a nucleus at least 70 km in diameter. But such comets are very rare
Classification of cometary orbits
Comet ISON is a long-period circumsolar comet
Orbit and speed
The figure shows the elliptical orbits of the two comets, as well as the nearly circular orbits of the planets and a parabolic orbit. At the distance that separates the Earth from the Sun, the circular speed is 29.8 km/s, and the parabolic speed is 42.2 km/s.
Near Earth, the speed of Comet Encke is 37.1 km/s, and the speed of Comet Halley is 41.6 km/s; This is why Comet Halley goes much further from the Sun than Comet Encke.
The movement of the comet's nucleus is completely determined by the attraction of the Sun. The shape of the comet's orbit depends on its speed and distance to the Sun.
(v p) = 1.4 v c - parabolic orbit
The average speed of a body is inversely proportional square root from its average distance to the Sun (a). If the speed is always perpendicular to the radius vector directed from the Sun to the body, then the orbit is circular, and the speed is called circular speed (vc) at a distance a.
The speed of escape from the gravitational field of the Sun along a parabolic orbit ( vp) is 1.4 times the circular speed at this distance. If the comet's speed is less vp, then it moves around the Sun in an elliptical orbit and never leaves the Solar System.
But if the speed exceeds vp, then the comet passes by the Sun once and leaves it forever, moving in a hyperbolic orbit
Fenech (lat. Vulpeszerda) is a small animal from the genus, family Canidae, order Carnivora, class Mammals. Previously, this view had a slightly different appearance systematic position, he was allocated to 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 Western and Northern Africa, the average body length 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. Weight African fennec cats from Egypt, on average, is 1.05 kg (from 0.8 to 1.15).
But the main thing distinctive feature The fennec cat is by no means miniature in size and has a long fluffy tail. Its “calling card” is its huge ears, which allow it to detect the most insignificant sound vibrations produced by insects and small animals, its main prey. They can be more than 10 cm in length - for such a 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 foxes have a short, pointed muzzle and big 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 Afghan fox (V. cana) Fenech does not live in one territory; The Afghan fox has a longer tail, shorter ears, and is larger.
Fenech 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.
Fenech also 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 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 decline 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, and miniature foxes are caught by 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. As a result, the home for a family group is a system of passages and chambers with several exits to the surface, which allow them 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 large family groups, which usually contain 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 fennec “dictionary” 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. Fennec foxes 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 during the mating season in fennec fennecs has 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 prevent inbreeding, 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 the wild, 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.
Name: Fennec (lat. Vulpes zerda), Fennec Fox (Vulpes means belonging to the genus of foxes, zerda comes from the Greek word xeros - “dry”).
However, not all scientists agree that the fenech belongs to the genus of foxes, pointing out differences in the structure and behavior of fennecs from other foxes. Fennec foxes have only 32 pairs of chromosomes, while other fox species have between 35 and 39, and do not have musk glands like foxes. Unlike other types of foxes, fennec foxes lead a social lifestyle. Therefore, some are inclined to identify a separate genus - “Fennecus”.
Habitat:
The habitat of fennec cats is northern Africa. They can be found in Central Sahara, but they also live in the Sinai and Arabian Peninsulas, as well as in northern Morocco, and in the south, they are found in Chad, Sudan and Niger. Fenech prefers to live in sparse bushes and thickets of grass, which serve as food and shelter, in sandy deserts.
Appearance:
Fenech is the smallest representative of the canine family. This miniature fox peculiar appearance with a short and pointed muzzle, smaller in size domestic cat. The eyes are big.
Its teeth are small (especially the fangs), and generally similar to the teeth of a bat-eared fox. The fennec cat's hair is tall, thick and soft. The tail is fluffy, with a black tip. The sand fox is smaller in size than a domestic cat. The height at the withers is 18-22 cm, the body length is 30-40 cm, the tail is up to 30 cm, it weighs up to 1.5 kg.
The fennec's ears are the largest among predators in relation to the size of the head; they reach 15 cm in length. The fennec cat needs large ears not only to learn from the slightest rustle in the sand about the movement of prey - insects, rodents and small vertebrates.
Fennec's ears are an excellent source of thermoregulation: blood vessels located in the ears allow fennec cats to remove excess heat from the body. Another means of adapting the fennec to desert conditions is its feet covered with hair, which allows it to move silently on hot sand.
The color of the fox's fur is most suitable for camouflage against the background of desert sands: the fur of the fennec fox is reddish or fawn on top, white below. The eyes, nasal pad and vibrissae are entirely black. The so-called “violet” or supra-tail gland, characteristic of all foxes, is hidden under dark (black or dark brown) coarse hair. Young fennecs are almost white.
Fennec, like others wild foxes, no sweat glands. Fenech can go for a long time without water, getting liquid from food. Fennec buds are adapted to limit water loss. In deserts, the fennec prefers to stay in thickets of grass and bushes, which provide it with shelter and food. The height at the withers is 18-22 cm, the body length is 30-40 cm, the tail is up to 30 cm, it weighs up to 1.5 kg. The muzzle is short and pointed. The eyes are big. The ears of this animal are the largest among predators in relation to the size of the head; they reach 15 cm in length. Fenechs are perfectly adapted to life in the desert. The fennec fox, like other wild foxes, does not have sweat glands. Fenech can go for a long time without water, getting liquid from food. Fennec buds are adapted to limit water loss. Another means of adapting the fennec to desert conditions is the feet covered with hair, which allows the fennec to move easily and silently on the hot sand.
Lifestyle:
Fenechs live in burrows with big amount secret passages that they dig themselves. The fenech's hole is a system of extensive tunnels and cavities, equipped with several emergency entrances, thanks to which the fenech can escape unnoticed when an enemy tries to overtake him in the hole. Burrows are usually dug at the bottom of uninhabited beams, under the roots of trees and shrubs that provide support for the tunnel walls. The system of burrows can be so complex and extensive that sometimes several families of fennec cats can live together, occupying different parts of such a complex den. Even when such cohabitation is observed, sand foxes, like other foxes, hunt separately. Fenechs usually live in family groups, the number of individuals in which reaches up to ten, occupying a certain territory. Clans usually consist of one married couple, their immature offspring, and perhaps a few older children who help raise the younger generation.
Fennec foxes are strong and active defenders of both their territory and their puppies. As social animals, they use visual and tactile communication to communicate with each other. Important in maintaining social structure have a variety of games: hunting, catching up, etc. At the same time, the nature of the games changes both during the day and by season. Sand foxes hunt alone, like other representatives of the fox genus.
During the hunt, fennec cats can jump forward 120 cm and up to 70 cm in height. Fenech perceives environment primarily through a well-developed sense of smell, hearing and good night vision. Night vision acuity is enhanced by the presence of a special retina called tapetum. This adaptation creates the illusion of hot, fiery red eyes, which is also characteristic of a number of other species of nocturnal animals. Fennec cats also need large ears to better cool their body during the heat of the day. Fenechs often participate in games, and despite their short stature, demonstrate remarkable agility and liveliness. The fennec cat is characterized by the ability to jump high and far from a standing position. All this helps him instantly capture detected prey. Eared animal leads a nocturnal lifestyle. He also needs to have a place at his disposal to rest during the day, in which he will find shelter and protection from the hot sun. To do this, they dig deep and branched burrows. eyewitnesses say. that fennecs can literally disappear into the sand while standing still.
Sand chanterelles are practically omnivorous; they dig up part of their food from sand and soil. The diet includes small vertebrates, insects and other arthropods, eggs, roots and fruits. They catch rodents, lizards and other prey, and then kill it with a “bite” in the neck, and carry it back to their lair, where it will be eaten. Huge ears allow him to catch the slightest rustle made by his victims, even under a thick layer of sand. Fenechs do not need watering places: they have adapted so well to the climate of the Sahara Desert that they can go without water for a long time, obtaining the fluid necessary for the body from meat, berries and leaves. Fruits, roots and tubers of plants are an important part of the fennec cat's diet, as they provide almost 100% of the moisture they need. It has been established that fennecs can hide excess food in reserve, memorizing their hiding places well. In the wild, Fennecs breed once a year.
The mating season takes place in January-February. Pregnancy in a female fennec cat lasts 50–52 days. In March - April, the female brings from 2 to 6 cubs. These animals are monogamous, each pair has a family plot. During the breeding season for 4-6 weeks mating season males become especially aggressive and actively mark their territory with urine. They usually breed only once a year. Male fennec cats are good fathers and will help the mother protect the offspring, but the mother does not allow the father to have contact with the pups until they begin to play at the entrance to the den at about 5-6 weeks of age.
Fennec puppies weigh only 50 grams at birth. The mother remains with the cubs in the den until they are two weeks old, when their eyes open. The fennec male brings food, but does not enter the den, because the female is very aggressive at this time and drives him away from the puppies. At the age of 5 weeks, fennec cubs leave the den for the first time and wander around the surrounding area; at the age of 3 months they become independent. At 6-9 months, fennecs become sexually mature. The average lifespan of a fennec cat in the wild is 12 years. Fennecs are omnivores and feed on small vertebrates, eggs, insects (including locusts), plant roots and fruits.
Fox problems: The main enemies of fennecs in nature are caracals and desert eagle owls. However, few people have seen how other animals managed to catch fennec foxes. The protective coloration allows the animal to blend into the sandy landscape; data that more large predators hunt fennecs, absent. Excellent hearing undoubtedly allows fennec cats to detect a potential enemy in advance and avoid encounters with predators by hiding in their lair. No less dangerous enemy- Human. Fennec cats are hunted for their fur and are also captured and sold as pets.
Fennec and man:
Fenech is excellent at taming and becomes an affectionate and smart friend of man. The diet of this animal at home remains approximately the same as for red foxes, except that it treats it with special respect when it is soaked in milk. white bread. The animal is very sensitive to the ambient temperature, so under no circumstances should you allow it to become hypothermic; during the cold season, keep it only in a heated room. At the slightest sign of a cold, the animal's eyes become inflamed, and this disease is practically incurable; the mortality rate in this case is quite high. Fenech is most suitable for keeping in captivity, is not capricious and easily gets used to people.
The most famous domesticated fennec fox is the fox in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's novel The Little Prince. Antoine de Saint-Exupery was inspired to create this character after meeting a fennec cat in the Sahara in 1935. It is especially revered in Algeria, where it is the national animal. The Algerian national football team is nicknamed "Les Fennecs" (Fennecs or Desert Foxes). In addition, the fennec is depicted on the Algerian 1/4 dinar coin.
Lovers of unusual animals have all sorts of pets. Now in the homes of connoisseurs rare species can be found , and other wildlife inhabitants. But the fennec fox is not yet such a popular favorite in Russia.
Dwarf fox wonder animal
The owners who finally purchased these animals claim that very little time will pass and steppe foxes will become more popular than cats and dogs.
After all, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this tiny African fox (she weighs only 1.5 kg!) with a very cute face, big ears and button eyes.
And if you put in a little effort, paying sufficient quantity time to raise her, then she will be an ideal, flexible pet.
An interesting feature of these little animals is that the cubs have white color. And when they become adults, they acquire a fawn shade of fur.
steppe fox
In nature, these animals are found in deserts. There they live in burrows that they dig themselves. They live in groups of up to 10 individuals. A pack of such foxes usually consists of a pair and their cubs.
Meals in natural environment habitats are very diverse. They eat both animal and plant foods. Usually these are various small lizards, insects, and carrion. Among plant foods, they prefer plant roots that are dug out of the sand.
Domestic fox
Increasingly, these exotic desert inhabitants are beginning to be in demand among connoisseurs of rare species. Only there is such a problem that keeping a wild animal in a city apartment requires being well aware of the habits of these animals.
People need more information not only about what they eat dwarf chanterelles. And also how to properly raise and maintain an animal, so that when the little fox grows up and starts mischievous, you won’t regret the decision you made.
Another problem is the question of where to buy such a fox and at what price?
Let's talk about these issues in more detail.
- Where to buy a fennec fox? It is best to purchase any exotic animals from experienced breeders. It is advisable that breeders have more than 5 years of experience in keeping domestic foxes. It is strictly not recommended to buy these animals at poultry markets. The price, of course, will be significantly lower, but there is a risk of purchasing a sick animal. In nurseries, as soon as they reach a certain age, the cubs are examined and receive all the necessary vaccinations.
- How much does a fox cost? First of all, it must be said that foxes must be purchased in pairs, since these animals are monogamous. The price for 2 individuals is approximately 50 – 90 thousand rubles or about 2000 dollars. You can find cheaper ads on the Internet, but generally the cost per pair is not less than $1000.
- How to keep and raise a domestic fox?
- You can either keep it in an enclosure or equip a house where the fox cub can hide during the day.
- These foxes are awake at night, but during the day they usually sleep. Therefore, it is advisable not to disturb their natural regime.
- Buy toys and balls for your pet.
- From the first days of its appearance in the house, the fox cub must immediately be accustomed to the tray.
- Purchase food from pet stores. Premium food for small breed dogs or puppies is ideal.
- When swimming, make sure that the water temperature does not exceed 39 degrees.
This is interesting:
In Algeria, this species of fox is considered a symbol of the country.
- Her image is minted on coins.
- The national football team of this country is called “Fenech – Steppe Foxes”.
- Image dwarf foxes minted on Algerian coins.
Antoine de Sainte - Exupery in his novel " a little prince" used the image of just such a fox after visiting the Sahara Desert, where he saw this tiny fox.
So, if you decide to purchase a fennec, you are acquiring a wonderful pet. These animals will delight you and your family for a long time. They rarely get sick. And when proper care they can live about 15 years.
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