Fennec Fox for sale in United States 

Fennec fox for sale in United States. Fennec foxes are the smallest of the Canidae. They range in size from 0.8 kg for females to 1.5 kg for males. They are smaller than the average domestic cat. Their tail length is between 18 and 30 cm, accounting for almost 60 percent of their 30 to 40 cm body length. With a shoulder height of 18 to 22 cm, fennec foxes are significantly smaller than other African foxes, which average a shoulder height of 30 cm. Not enough is known about fennec foxes to conclusively state whether they are sexually dimorphic. However, the family Canidae does exhibit the limited sexual dimorphism common among groups of predominantly monogamous species. Since V. zerda is monogamous, it is safe to assume that this species follows a pattern of slight sexual dimorphism.

The fennec fox’s ears are perhaps its most distinctive feature. Large, 15 cm long pinnae are massive relative to the skull and serve both to dissipate heat and to locate prey moving beneath the sand. The enlarged auditory vesicles also serve this purpose. The fur of adults is thick and silky, yellow-brown on the dorsal surface and white on the legs, face, pinnae, and underside of the animal. In contrast, juveniles are downy and almost entirely white. The fur over the purple gland—found in all foxes and whose function is unknown—is black or dark brown. This is also the color of the fur at the tip of the tail. The feet are heavily furred, protecting the pads from the hot desert sand. The fennec fox’s eyes, rhinal pad, and vibrissae are all black. The dentition is weak, similar to that of bat-eared foxes.

Reproduction

Little is known about how fennec foxes attract or defend their mates, although reproductive chances may be influenced by social status. It is possible that only dominant males mate with females. The mating season lasts from January to February, but females only stay in heat for a few days. Fennec foxes mate for life. This monogamous pairing results in a social structure in which each pair (or family—fennec fox parents often enlist the help of older siblings to care for the young) has its own territory. This territory is demarcated by urine and droppings. Fennec foxes are vigorous defenders of both their territory and their young.

The mating season for V. zerda begins in mid-winter (January to February), and cubs are born after a gestation period of 50 to 53 days. The average gestation period is 50 days. Fennec foxes have a slow reproduction rate, and female foxes give birth only once a year. Their litters are relatively small, usually containing only 2 to 4 nestlings (although 5 or even 6 are not uncommon). At birth, the blind and helpless cubs weigh 50 g. Their mother cares for them in the den for the first 2 weeks until they open their eyes. At 4 weeks, the cubs begin to play in the den. At 5 weeks, the area directly in front of the den entrance is also used for play. V. zerda cubs nurse longer than those of most foxes, and weaning may not occur until about 3 months of age. The cubs can be licked, carried, and closely observed for up to 70 days. Sexual maturity is reached when adult size is reached at the age of 6 to 9 months.

Lifespan/longevity

Fennec foxes can live up to 10 years in the wild, a typical lifespan for African foxes. Captive fennec foxes can survive up to 12 years.

Behave

Fennec foxes are highly social animals that live together in family groups of up to 10 individuals. These kin-based clans typically include at least one breeding pair, a litter of immature pups, and perhaps some of the pups’ older siblings. Territory is marked with urine and feces. Dominant males urinate in marked areas more frequently than their submissive counterparts.

The gregarious nature of fennec foxes is reflected in their frequent and diverse vocalizations. Both adults and young birds chatter, whine, howl, growl, and screech. The howls are short and loud, decrease in pitch, and are repeated many times.

Fennecs often play and are remarkably agile for their small size. An adult can jump up to 0.7 m high and over 1 m from a standing start. This ability helps fennecs catch prey.

Fennec foxes are nocturnal hunters and need places to sleep during the day where they are protected from the hot desert sun. For this purpose, they dig dens. These dens are also used for raising their young. They often become extensive tunnel systems and may have multiple entrances through which the fennec foxes can escape if predators appear. Dens are usually dug beneath desert bushes so that the plant roots can support the tunnel walls. The vixen’s nesting chamber is lined with leaves.

In some cases, several fennec fox families may live together and share a complex den. Even when this coexistence occurs, fennec foxes, like other foxes, prefer to hunt alone. Their hunting method is stalking, pouncing, and lunging. Fennec foxes are opportunistic feeders and store food for later use. They remember these hiding places well from season to season.