The bat-eared fox is the only canid to have largely abandoned mammalian prey in favour of insects.

Life span
Bat-eared foxes live for about six years in captivity.

Statistics
Body length: 50-60cm, Tail length: 30-35cm, Standing height: 35-40cm, Weight: 3-4.5kg.

Physical description
Bat-eared foxes have large, wide ears, a short narrow mouth, and long jackal-like legs.

Distribution
There are two main populations: one in South Africa and the other in East Africa. They can also be found in Namibia, Botswana, southern and western Zimbabwe and western parts of South Africa.

Habitat
Bat-eared foxes favour open woodland and grassy plains.

Diet
The majority of their diet is made up of insects, particularly termites and grasshoppers. A very small precentage of their diet includes lizards, small birds, eggs, small mammals and fruit.

Behaviour
Bat-eared foxes are nocturnal. They live in pairs, and both partners rear the cubs.

Reproduction
After a gestation period of two months, the female gives birth to 1-5 cubs.

Conservation status
Bat-eared foxes are not considered to be endangered, although they are hunted for their pelts.