Bat-eared Fox
The bat-eared fox is an African canid best known for its oversized ears, which can reach 11 to 13 centimeters and are finely tuned to picking up the sound of termites moving underground. Unusually for a canid, this species is an insect specialist, with termites making up 80 to 90 percent of its diet. Gentle and highly social by nature, bat-eared foxes typically live in monogamous pairs or small family groups. With a lifespan of 14 to 17 years in professional care, they represent a long-term commitment best suited to experienced keepers.
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Apply as a breederAbout Bat-eared Fox
Meet the bat-eared fox, an African canid known for its oversized ears and termite-heavy diet. Learn about its social nature, 14-17 year lifespan, and what experienced keepers should know before bringing one home.
7 things to know before welcoming a Bat-eared Fox
1Distinctive Oversized Ears
The bat-eared fox's defining trait is its ears, which reach 11 to 13 centimeters. They're believed to have evolved to detect termites moving underground, making hearing central to how this animal lives.
2An Insect-Based Diet
Termites make up 80 to 90 percent of its natural diet, making it an unusually insect-focused eater among canids. In captivity, a carefully balanced diet plan is essential, and specialist knowledge is a must.
3A Social, Pair-Bonded Animal
In the wild, bat-eared foxes live in monogamous pairs or family groups rather than alone. This social tendency is worth factoring into how their environment and daily interaction are planned.
4An Advanced-Level Animal
This species is classified as suitable for experienced keepers only. Diet management and understanding its natural behaviors require specialized knowledge beyond that of typical companion animals.
5A 14-to-17-Year Commitment
Under professional care, bat-eared foxes can live 14 to 17 years, meaning consistent, long-term care is required. It's important to plan for the animal's entire life stage before bringing one home.
6Active, Exploratory Instincts
Bat-eared foxes have a natural habit of roaming and using their ears to search for sound, so their environment needs to allow for this behavior. A monotonous setting can make it hard for them to express these instincts.
7Research Before You Commit
Since this species isn't widely kept, gathering information from knowledgeable breeders or veterinarians beforehand is important. Have a concrete picture of daily care and environment setup before bringing one home.
Frequently asked questions about Bat-eared Fox
- Q.What is the bat-eared fox's temperament like?
- A.They tend to be gentle and highly social, with curiosity often outweighing caution. Their habit of living in pairs or family groups also tends to make them receptive to bonding with people.
- Q.What should I feed a bat-eared fox?
- A.In the wild, termites make up 80 to 90 percent of its diet, making it a largely insect-eating species. In captivity, diet planning requires specialist nutritional knowledge, so consult an experienced breeder or expert.
- Q.Can a bat-eared fox be kept alone?
- A.In the wild they live socially, in monogamous pairs or family groups. Keeping just one is possible, but it helps to design the environment and interaction style with that social nature in mind.
- Q.Are there any legal restrictions on this species?
- A.The bat-eared fox is not listed under CITES.
- Q.How big does a bat-eared fox get as an adult?
- A.Adults reach a body length of 46 to 66 centimeters (including a 23 to 34 centimeter tail) and weigh around 3 to 5.3 kilograms, with their oversized ears standing out against a relatively light frame.
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Learn more about Bat-eared Fox in the encyclopedia
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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