Species · GBIF taxon 2434349
Bat-eared Fox
Otocyon megalotisAlso known as Big-eared Fox, Black-eared Fox, Long-eared Fox, Delalande's Fox
Bat-eared foxes are distinctive African canids easily recognized by their enormous, dish-like ears which they use to locate underground insects. They live in close-knit family groups, often mating for life and sharing parental duties like grooming and playing. Unlike most other canids, their dentition is uniquely adapted for a diet consisting almost entirely of termites and other small invertebrates.
NocturnalInsectivorousSocial
Licensed referenceYathin S Krishnappa / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Primarily insectivorous, specializing in harvester termites
- family
- Canidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, disease outbreaks like rabies, and persecution by livestock farmers
- life Span
- 9 to 13 years in the wild
LC
Can carry rabies and may bite if cornered; observe from a safe distance.
- Spotting at Night: Use a red-filtered spotlight during night drives to locate their reflective eyes without blinding them.
- Listen for Foraging: Watch for individuals walking with their heads tilted down, listening intently for underground termites.
- Respect Den Sites: Keep a respectful distance from active burrows to avoid stressing rearing parents and pups.