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Bat-eared Foxes are a species of fox that can be found in Africa. Two separate populations extend over 10 countries. Their fur is yellow/brown and they have black fur on their legs, tail, and face.1
They weigh 7-12 pounds and are 18-26 inches long, and their tail adds 9-13 inches. They live in scrublands and savannas and aren’t super territorial, so it isn’t uncommon for them to share territory with other Bat-eared Foxes that aren’t part of their family group.2 Family groups usually consist of two parents and their offspring.1
Their ears are 5 inches tall and aren’t just used to hear their prey (which they can hear up to a foot underground!), but to help them cool off in their hot habitats. The blood vessels within their ears shed heat, which helps them cool down.2&3
Bat-eared Foxes eat a lot of termites – usually over a million each year.1 They also eat dung beetles, locusts, grasshoppers, scorpions, roots, and more.3 Predators to Bat-eared Foxes consist of eagles, jackals, hyenas, and humans.1&2
Although they face threats from human activity like expansion and hunting, they are considered of Least Concern, according to the IUCN.1&3
Did you catch our blog post on California Condors? Check out the first part here!
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