Species

By Yathin S Krishnappa - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31863948

Otocyon megalotis

Named after its large ears that they use for thermoregulation, the bat-eared fox is a small, tan-coloured canid. They live in social groups or pairs that hunt and groom together. 

Range: There are two distinct populations. The southern population is found in southern Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya and southwestern Tanzania. The eastern population occurs in Angola, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Habitat: Arid or semi-arid enviornments. Short grasslands, savannas and open acacia woodlands.

Size: 3-5.3 kg (6.6 to 11.7 lb); 46-66 cm (18 to 26 in)

Life Span: 9 years in the wild; up to 17 years in captivity

Feeding: Insectivore with a preference for harvester termites.

Reproduction: Monogamous. Sexual maturity is reached at 8-9 months. Gestation lasts for 60-70 days and females give birth to litters of one to six pups. Males groom, defend and chaperone the pups while the female forages for food. Pups leave their gamily groups at 5-6 months old.

Conservation Status: Least concern. Difficult to adapt to captivity only because of their highly specialized diet.

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Full Classification:

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