Bat-eared Fox

The bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) is so called due to its distinctive, bat-wing-shaped ears, which can grow up to 14 centimetres in length.  In fact, the species name ‘megalotis’ comes from the Greek words ‘mega’ and ‘otus’ meaning ‘large eared’. The ears are important in many aspects of the bat-eared fox’s life, from communication to finding food. Fur colour can range from pale yellow to a deep honey colour, depending on where the individual is found and how old it is. The muzzle of the bat-eared fox is greyish-black on top with paler sides. Its muzzle is larger than that of other fox species. The bat-eared fox has highly pointed teeth, which enables it to rapidly chew its preferred insect food items efficiently, to aid digestion. The majority of the bat-eared fox’s diet consists of small invertebrates, such as ants and termites. This species forages primarily at night or during dull, overcast periods of the day, in keeping with its nocturnal lifestyle. The bat-eared fox uses its large ears during foraging, positioning them to point towards the ground to pick up sounds made by invertebrates. This species can also be observed to dig into the ground using its front paws to reach underground prey. The remarkable ears are also very important in communication between individuals. The bat-eared fox is usually a monogamous species which shows little territoriality, and members of this species typically have overlapping ranges. The female gives birth to one to five cubs, after a gestation period of two months. The male bat-eared fox will stay close to the female for the whole breeding season. After birth, the male will usually stay at the den to protect the cubs, while the female scouts for food to maintain her milk production.