RANGE North African desert east to the Sinai Peninsula
HABITAT Sandy desert and arid areas
DIET Mainly plants, leaves, fruits and roots; also eggs, insects, rodents and small reptiles when available
The nocturnal fennec fox is the world's smallest fox. They have thick fur on the on the soles of their feet. This protects their feet from the scorching hot desert sand.
Fennec foxes can live for an indefinite amount of time without drinking water, getting hydration from the plants, fruits, and animals they eat.
Their oversized ears are around 6 inches long. It loses body heat through its big ears, which helps it keep cool in the hot desert climate.
Their hearing is sensitive enough to detect beetles walking across the sand.
Fennec foxes face threats from the pet trade and habitat loss.
