Bat-eared fox
Statut U.I.C.N
Union Internationale pour la Conservation de la Nature
- lc Préoccupation mineure
- nt Quasi menacé
- vu Vulnérable
- en En danger
- cr En danger critique
- ew Éteint dans la nature
- ex Éteint
Carte d'identité
- Classe :
- Mammals
- Ordre :
- Carnivora
- Famille :
- Canidae
- Genre :
- Otocyon
- Espèce :
- megalotis
- Taille moyenne
- 46 to 66 cm
- Poids
- 3 to 5.3 kg
- Gestation
- 60 to 70 days
2 to 6 pups - Habitat
- Arid grasslands and savannahs
- Régime
- Omnivore
The discreet regulator of the savannahs
Nicknamed the « discreet cleaner of the savannah », the bat-eared fox feeds mainly on termites and other insects. By naturally regulating their populations, it helps keep African ecosystems in balance.
Threats and conservation
The bat-eared fox is threatened by habitat destruction, hunting, persecution and declining prey. To protect it, natural grasslands and savannahs are being preserved, and law enforcement and surveillance have been strengthened. Population studies and monitoring, along with raising awareness among local communities and involving them, complete these efforts.
Fun fact
It can hear termites moving underground! Thanks to its exceptional hearing, it locates its prey before they even reach the surface.
