Source: Wikimedia Commons
Fennec Fox
AdvancedVulpes zerda
World's smallest fox from the Sahara Desert. Large ears serve as heat regulators. Active and curious but can be nervous. For experienced owners.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
18〜26℃
Lifespan
10-14 years
Size
24-40cm / 0.7-1.6kg
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Fox diet, insects, small amounts of fruit/vegetables, raw meat
About
The fennec fox (Vulpes zerda) is the world's smallest canid, native to the sandy deserts and semi-arid regions of North Africa, particularly the Sahara. Their most iconic feature is their disproportionately large ears—10–15 cm in length—which serve dual functions: dissipating desert heat and detecting underground prey through acute hearing. Their cream-colored coat and large dark eyes give them an appearance that has made them highly sought-after exotic pets. Fennec foxes are highly energetic, playful, and curious, bonding readily with their owners, though they retain independent wild behaviors and are predominantly nocturnal. Housing must be escape-proof, as they are agile diggers and climbers. A sand bath area and dry environment are recommended. Diet consists of insects, fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of lean meat. Specialized veterinary care is important. Common health concerns include nutritional deficiencies, fractures, and infections.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Fennec Fox
The Fennec Fox lives 10-14 years.
Captive lifespan is 10–14 years.
Size of the Fennec Fox
The Fennec Fox grows to 24-40cm / 0.7-1.6kg.
Adults measure 24–41 cm in body length and weigh 0.8–1.9 kg.
Temperature & humidity for the Fennec Fox
Optimal temperature is 24–30 °C; they are very sensitive to cold.
Basic Info
Origin
Care Specifications
PeacefulPairBreeding: Hard
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Vulpes zerda (Zimmermann, 1780)
Synonyms: Fennecus zerda
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
CITES Appendix IIIUCN LC · Least Concern
Vulpes zerda is CITES Appendix II. Vulpes genus is not included in Japan's designated animals (Canidae) and is therefore non-applicable.
Sources: Vulpes zerda CITES App II / IUCN LC / Ministry of the Environment Specified Animal List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Fennec Fox Listings
Loading latest listingsFind listings for this species
