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This week we are look at the bat-eared fox, another fox I hadn’t
heard of.
The bat-eared fox is a species of fox found on the African
savanna. It is the only extant species of the genus Otocyon and a basal species
of canid. Fossil records indicate this canid first appeared during the middle
Pleistocene.
As the name indicates, this fox has unusually enormous ears
in proportion to its head, like those of many bats. Their bodies are generally
yellow-brown with a pale throat and under parts. The outsides of the ears, the
racoon-like “face-mask,” lower legs, feet, and tail tip are all black.
They can be found living in
groups of mating pairs and their young. They are a very social species and
spend lots of time grooming each other, as well as playing and sleeping
together.
Their hearing is remarkable, but bat-eared foxes are also known
for their social nature. They often live in family groups of up to 15
animals. They do not mark or defend territories aggressively against other
packs.
They seldom drink water as they obtain most of the moisture they need from their food; 3. Unlike other canids, the male undertakes most parental care duties, while the female forages for food that maintains her milk production
Termites and dung beetles make up about 80 percent of their
diets. In addition to termites and dung beetles, they also eat other insects
and arthropods, small rodents, lizards, the eggs and chicks of other birds, and
plant matter. They obtain much of their water from the body fluid of the
insects they consume.
Predators include cheetahs, jackals, spotted hyenas, rock
pythons, African wild dogs, and leopards. Bat-eared foxes are named for
their large ears, which are also used for thermoregulation. To escape from
predators, bat-eared foxes rely on speed and their incredible dodging ability.
They typically live for 6 years in the wild but can be up to 13
years in captivity.
They reach sexual maturity at 8–9 months old, both male and
female. They usually leave their family groups at 5–6 months old.
They breed annually, producing litters of 3–6 pups, with a
gestation period of 60–75 days.
Oh my my my how adorable. They look like they’re smiling.
ReplyDeleteI know I thought they looked like they were smiling
DeleteThis is another new fox for me, Jo-Anne. I do love their big ears and their cute faces, and find it fascinating that mom and dad share the parenting duties. Have a blessed week!
ReplyDeleteYeah they are cute and foxes seem to share the raising of the young more then I thought animals would
DeleteI dunno...if MY diet consisted of dung beetles, I'd need to wash them down with SOMEthing.
ReplyDeleteYeah eating something like that would be gross
DeleteI know I have seen these is a nature documentary but I can't say I remembered they were in the fox family because they look so very different from most foxes. Really cute! :)
ReplyDeleteYeah they don't look fox like in my opinion
DeleteNo way.. with ears like that no wonder they can hear well.
ReplyDelete