Fennec, common name for a small canid of the deserts of northern Africa. The fennec's body is about 35.7 to 40.7 cm (about 14.1 to 16.0 in) long; the bushy tail is about 17.8 to 30.5 cm (about 7.01 to 12.0 in) long. The fennec is pale brown to almost white and closely resembles its relative, the fox, except for the erect ears, each of which is as large as the face. The fennec can dig with great speed, and when pursued it seems almost to dive into the sand. Its burrow is lined with a collection of soft material, such as bits of fur and feathers. The fennec usually sleeps during the day, coming out at night to seek its prey. It feeds mainly on mice, small birds, lizards, and insects and sometimes supplements this diet with fruit. The fennec sometimes drinks at water holes, although studies suggest that it need not do so. The ability of fennecs to go without water for indefinite periods of time is an adaptation to their desert habitat.
Desert Dwelling Fennec Fox picture: The desert dwelling fennec has the largest ears of any fox, in proportion to its body size. It uses its ears to cool itself and to detect the sounds of predators and prey.
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