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About
Dec 27, 2009 16:03:22 GMT -5
Post by sunshine9366 on Dec 27, 2009 16:03:22 GMT -5
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, its coat, ears and kidney functions have adapted to a high-temperature, low-water, desert environment. In addition, its hearing is sensitive enough to hear prey moving underground.
It can live up to 12 years in the wild, and is found throughout Northern Africa and in some parts of the Middle East. It digs out dens in sand for habitation, which can be up to 120 square meters and adjoin other family's dens. Precise figures on population are not known, but are calculated from the frequency of sightings. It currently belongs 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, it is considered an exotic pet.
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