Fennec Fox
Origin and Native Environment
Fennec Fox are native to the desert areas in Egypt, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, Iraq and Kuwait. Fennec Fox are able to dig rapidly in the sand and construct dens underground.
Taxonomic Classification
All foxes belong to the Order Carnivora which includes dogs, bears, raccoons, pandas, skunks, otters, weasels, mongooses, hyenas, cats and many other mammals. Dogs, wolves, coyotes, foxes and jackals belong to the Family Canidae. All dogs, wolves, coyotes and jackals belong to one genus, Canis, but foxes are divided up into several different Genera. The Fennec Fox has a genus all to itself, Fennecus. There is only one Species in Fennecus, F.Zerda.
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Fennecus
Species: Zerda
Description
The Fennec Fox is the smallest of all wild Canids. It forms a pair bond with its mate. Its length from nose to base of tail is from 10-16 inches with a tail about 7 to 9 inches long. Its weight is between 2 to 3.5 lb. One of the most unique anatomical features of this little canid is its remarkable long ears in proportion to its size which can be between 5 and 6 inches in length. Their normal body temperature is 101-102 degrees F. The Fennec Fox has a very soft, thick and moderately long coat and lovely bushy tail. The normal coloration is a sandy cream but can range from a reddish tawny cast to almost white (babies). The fur on its under parts are much lighter in color than the back and sides. The tail has a black tip and the whiskers, eye and nose are black. Their color varies according to age and seasonal changes. The soles of their feet are furred to assist travel in soft sand.
Reproduction
In captivity, animals usually mate during January and February. (but they don't read the "book") I have had fall babies. The male mounts the female and a tie is achieved just like in domestic dogs. Gestation is 50-52 days, with usually 3 to 4 kits per litter. They open their eyes at 10-14 days. By the time they are 30 to 35 days old they will be feeding themselves. Fennecs, and most other animals, have the ability to adjust the size of their litters to prevailing conditions. When food is scarce they produce fewer babies and when it is more plentiful, they have larger litters.
Newborn Fennecs have closed eyes and ears with sandy colored fur. They have a dark stripe from the base of the skull to one third of the way down the tail. This stripe disappears as the young matures, usually by 8 to 10 weeks. The young are fully grown in size and sexually mature at nine months of age and at time have left the maternal den. Mothers that lose their litters at a very early stage will often rebreed almost immediately. Pulling the babies to hand raise will produce the same results.
Habits
They are agile little animals and can jump 24 inches straight up from a standing position.
The Fennec Fox is nocturnal. The diet of the wild Fennec consists of some plant material, insects, rodents, small lizards, birds, their eggs and young. The Fennec can obtain much of its water requirements from the food it eats and can go long periods without drinking....in the wild. In captivity, always have fresh water available. They have adapted to living in the extreme conditions of the desert and mountainous areas of North Africa where temperature fluctuations can be great between day and night. The large ears and pointed snout radiate and dissipate heat, the fur protects them from the cold and camouflages them.
In the wild, Fennecs live in groups up to ten or more individuals. In captivity, for "me" to get them to reproduce, I have to keep the pairs separated. Males can become quite aggressive during breeding season.
Currently, they are on appendix II of CITES.
These foxes are long lived with life spans of 15 years being reported. Maybe longer in captivity where they get special diets and veterinary care.
Environment and Housing
Although Fennec Fox in the wild can go for long periods without drinking, it is imperative to have fresh water in front of captive animals at all times.
Fennec Fox kept in captivity must be maintained in an enclosure that will prevent escape. They are rapid diggers, so enclosures with dirt floors must have wire mesh underneath the dirt. Fences or walls must have no holes through which they can escape. They are capable of squeezing through very tiny openings, like a chain link fence, that has a 2"" hole. Rule of thumb...if the head will go through, the body will also. The pen should be covered.
Health considerations
The fennec fox is in the 'dog' family and therefore are susceptible to all dog diseases. They can also harbor the same internal and external parasites as domestic dogs including worms and fleas. You should regularly check fecal samples for worm eggs and keep their area flea free.
Vaccine Info: At this time there is no approved vaccines for the fennec fox. Use a killed virus vaccine.
Distemper. Do not give live or modified live virus vaccines. There is the Distemper vaccine called Purevax. It is for ferrets but is chick cell (canary pox) oriented and is Not a modified live. It is manufactured by Merial.
Parvo. Parvocene canine killed virus.
Rabies. Imrab 3, killed virus.
Heartworm. Heartguard or liquid ivomec is suitable for the fennec. (Be sure it is not the kind for cattle with the extra medication for liver flukes)
Tape worms. Panacure and Droncit are approved for the fennec.
Shampoo and flea products. Be sure it is safe for a cat or kitten. Check the age and weight on the product as compared to your animal. Their systems are more delicate like a cat even though they are in the canine family.
Linda LaFrentz
903-389-5339
mailto:critterhouse@hotmail.com
