Mammals
Bat-eared Fox
Otocyon megalotis · also called big-eared fox
Walking slowly across an African grassland with its head low and its huge ears angled toward the ground, a bat-eared fox listens for termites moving beneath the soil.
Overview
The bat-eared fox, Otocyon megalotis, is a Least Concern canid native to savanna and grassland habitat in East and southern Africa. Its enormous ears, termite-based diet, and unusually large number of teeth make it one of the most specialised and unusual members of the dog family.
A fox that eats with its ears
The bat-eared fox finds much of its food by listening, using its giant ears to track insects below the surface before digging them out.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and common across suitable open habitat in both its East and southern African ranges.
Bat-eared Fox: common questions
Why does the bat-eared fox have such large ears?
Its enormous ears help it detect insects moving underground and also help shed excess body heat in its warm habitat.
What does the bat-eared fox eat?
It feeds mainly on termites and other insects, along with some small animals and fruit, an unusual diet for a member of the dog family.
Does the bat-eared fox really have extra teeth?
Yes, it has more teeth than any other fox or dog, an adaptation to a diet of small insects.
Where is the bat-eared fox found?
It is native to savanna and grassland habitat in two separate areas, East Africa and southern Africa.