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Home > Species

Bat-eared fox

A species of Bat-eared fox, Also known as Long-eared fox, Black-eared fox
Scientific name : Otocyon megalotis Genus : Bat-eared fox

Bat-eared fox, A species of Bat-eared fox
Also known as:
Long-eared fox, Black-eared fox
Scientific name: Otocyon megalotis
Genus: Bat-eared fox
Content

Description General Info

Bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) Photo By Stephen Temple , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

Description

The bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis), also known as the spoon fox or the big eared fox, is a wild dog of the African savannah, which deviates from other dogs due to its mainly termite-based food. Because of its simplified teeth to adapt to insect nutrition, it was once considered evolutionarily very original, but was later viewed more as a specialized fox. It is named after its striking, large ears, which are used to track down the faintest sounds of termites in their buildings.

General Info

Lifespan

10-13 years

Diet

Bat-eared fox is primarily insectivorous, with its diet comprising of a variety of insects. It has a distinct preference for termites and beetles, which significantly make up a large part of its dietary intake.

Appearance

Bat-eared fox is a medium-sized mammal with an elongated body and dense, short coat primarily of tawny or silvery-grey color. Featuring large, pointed ears, this species also has a bushy, black-tipped tail. It has distinct white underparts and dark patches around its eyes. Unusually for canids, it has fully retractable claws.

Behavior

Bat-eared fox exhibits primarily nocturnal and highly social behavior. They construct complex burrows, work in cooperative foraging groups, and display intricate communication, fairly unique among canids. As an adaptation to its arid habitat, bat-eared fox obtains moisture primarily from prey, eliminating the need for frequent water sources. Territorial marking is largely absent in this species.

Population

Stable
Bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) Bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) Photo By Stephen Temple , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

Scientific Classification

Phylum
Chordates
Class
Mammals
Order
Carnivores
Family
Dogs
Genus
Bat-eared fox
Species
Bat-eared fox
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