Why do fennec foxes live in the desert

Like most desert dwellers, the fennec fox has developed the ability to go for long periods without water.

These foxes are cream-colored with black-tipped tails. Their adorable appearance makes them favorites of the captive pet trade, and local peoples also hunt the fennec fox for its fur.

Little is known about the status of wild fennec fox populations. All rights reserved. Common Name: Fennec Fox. Scientific Name: Vulpes zerda. Type: Mammals. Diet: Omnivore. Size: Head and body: 9. Weight: 2.

Size relative to a 6-ft man:. Least concern. Least Concern Extinct. Current Population Trend: Stable. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram.

Follow us on Instagram at natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo. Share Tweet Email. Living in underground burrows helps these nocturnal animals avoid the heat of the day. Their thick fur offers additional protection from the sun and keeps them warm during cold desert nights. This fox eats grasshoppers, locusts and other insects, as well as small rodents, lizards, birds and their eggs.

It also feeds on roots, fruits and leaves, which help it stay hydrated. Fennecs hunt alone at night, listening for food in the sand and then digging with all four feet to find it. Skip to main content. Entry passes are required for all guests, including infants. All visitors ages 2 and older are required to wear a mask in all indoor spaces at the Zoo, regardless of their vaccination status.

Fully vaccinated visitors do not need to wear a mask in outdoor areas. Share this page:. The fox's feet are also effective shovels for frequent digging—fennec foxes live in underground dens. These foxes dwell in small communities, each inhabited by perhaps ten individuals. Like other canids, male fennecs mark their territory with urine and become aggressive competitors when mating season arrives each year. Fennec foxes are opportunistic eaters.