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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Harvester termites
- Beetle larvae
- Grasshoppers
Predators
- Lions
- Leopards
- Black-backed jackals
ThreatsHabitat loss, disease outbreaks like rabies, and persecution by livestock farmers
HabitatsArid grasslands, savannas, and shrublands
Life span9 to 13 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCanidae
- SpeciesOtocyon megalotis
Native
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Can carry rabies and may bite if cornered; observe from a safe distance.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Sympatric Canid (c) Yathin S Krishnappa, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Basal Canid (c) Jukka A. Lång, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Competitor and Predator Primary Prey
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