Fennec foxes are the smallest members of the dog family.

Life span
Fennec foxes live for up to 12 years in captivity.

Statistics
Body length: 30-40cm, Tail length: 18-30cm, Standing height: 18-22cm, Weight: 1-1.5kg.

Physical description
Fennec foxes have particularly large ears. They have light-coloured fur, with a black tip on the tail. The soles of the feet are also furred.

Distribution
Fennec foxes inhabit N. Africa from Morocco to Egypt, south to north Niger and Sudan, east to Sinai Peninsula and Kuwait.

Habitat
They are found in deserts and semi-arid regions.

Diet
Fennec foxes have a widely varied diet, including insects, reptiles and small mammals.

Behaviour
Fennec foxes are social animals that mate for life. Each pair or family has its own territory.

Reproduction
Females have a gestation period of 51-53 days, after which they give birth to 3-6 cubs, which weigh 50g.

Conservation status
The 2000 IUCN Red List classify fennec foxes as Data Deficient. Fennec foxes are hunted by the native people of the Sahara.