BAT EARED FOX
Foxes form part of the dog family. The Bat-eared fox, Otocyon megalotis, is a very special fox found in
Namibia and other parts of Africa.
It is a small animal, about as big as a medium sized dog. It has a brownish colour coat, with the black and
white facial markings that is very evident. The bat-eared fox have the long snout associated with the fox species.
The biggest feature of this fox is its massive ears, and this is also where the name is derived from. These big
ears are very important to the Bat-eared fox in finding foot and making sure its body does not over heat. The
bat-eared fox have a very furry coat making it looks bigger than it actually is. This whole image is rounded off by
a fluffy and big looking tail.
Contact us today to arrange for your Namibia safari and try to spot these animals in the wild.
Bat-eared foxes prefer semi arid areas. This includes savannah and also the desert areas. Their main preference
for habitats is the availability of food. 90 % of the diet of the Bat-eared fox consists out of insects. Of this
about 70 % of make up harvester termites. The big ears are used to “listen” for sound underground. One will often
see the Bat-eared fox standing with its face down and ears pressed to the ground. Once a sound has been heard and
triangulated, the fox will start digging with its strong front feet. The claws are sharp and easily dig into the
soil to dislodge insect underneath. These versatile animals will also take bigger prey like scorpions and in times
of drought will refer to eating fruit, making it extremely adaptable to its environment.
The social structure of the bat-eared fox is very strong. The pair bond between male and female is the basis of
their social structure. It has been stated that Bat-eared foxes are monogamous, and this can definitely be true.
There is a definite breeding season for these animals. Before the rain season starts, mating will take place and
the young will be born just after the rains. The rainy season will ensure that there is plenty of food around in
the form of termites and other insects. This is vital for the survival of the young. Four cubs are usually born to
a female. These youngsters are born in a burrow made by springhare or aardvark, thus providing protection from
enemies. The male and female are attentive parents. During the first excursion from the burrow the parents will be
close by. At the first sign of danger they will pick up the cubs in their mouths and run for cover.
The Bat-eared fox have natural enemies in the form of bigger predators like Leopard,
cheetah and sometimes Spotted Hyena. Martial Eagles
will also prey on young pups.
Humans are another enemy of this likeable animal. Farmers sometimes have the impression that the Bat-eared fox is
responsible for livestock loss. This cannot be further from the truth as the bat-eared fox are insect eaters. It
must be stated that this scenario is changing as more and more farmers get to know the true value of this little
animal. Harvester termites can cause a lot of damage in the form of grass removed from the veldt. Bat-eared foxes
are the natural predator for this problem, thus creating equilibrium in nature.
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